I used no mousepads or just pieces of foam and sheets of office paper for years, when I did play games. I didn't know what I missed. Recently, after I almost stopped gaming at all, I've found out about those "gaming" mousepads... and they're totally worth it, if you *have to* use a mouse (they're like the second worst pointing device for me).
The problem is that you've got to find a type of surface that fits your sensitivity, mouse's sensor and your preference for control/speed and feels comfortable... and then you'll have to spend hours browsing OCN/ESR to pick the right product (quality can be all over the place).
I started with a plain SteelSeries QcK and it still works after ~3 years, I put it under my trackball and keyboard (the QcK+) for comfort and silencing. However, it's about the worst possible choice for my mousing style (mid-sensitivity fingertip grip w/ a lot of gliding), because it's very slow. Then I switched to Roccat Sota, the plastic on top was a great improvement in terms of speed, while maintaining some comfort, but its layers didn't stick together and about a half of the mat became unusable. Eventually, I've ended up with a SS 4HD mentioned above, although it's loud, less comfortable (colder and harder than cloth) and requires more maintainance.
