skill tree

Noun

 * 1)  A hierarchical visual representation of customizations a player can make to their character. Skill trees can either branch out or eventually fold back to a single point depending on the game. Typically some form of skill point is used as opposed to spending experience points.

Usage notes

 * Skill trees typically apply to individual characters, while technology trees are more often used in real-time strategy games to represent the technological development of the entire faction.