Frank McDougall
Call of Duty has always been a popular franchise, known for its intense multiplayer matches. However, there is an ongoing debate about the effectiveness of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in the game. While some players argue that SBMM ensures fair competition, others find it frustrating to constantly face equally skilled opponents.
Activision, the publisher behind Call of Duty, has recently published a white paper titled “The Role of Skill In Matchmaking” to shed light on the topic. The paper delves deep into the criteria and details of the algorithm used for matchmaking. It turns out that Activision values quick matchmaking over perfect balance, prioritizing finding matches swiftly rather than ensuring equal skill levels.
Interestingly, Activision conducted a secret test in 2024 during Modern Warfare 3 by reducing the extent of SBMM for 50% of the North American player base. The results were surprising, with over 90% of players who experienced reduced SBMM playing less Call of Duty, indicating that it had a negative impact on player engagement. The top 10% of skilled players were not significantly affected, which suggests that random matchmaking primarily benefits highly skilled players while disfavoring average ones.
One of the main reasons advocated by Activision for using SBMM is to prevent blowouts, as one-sided matches can be discouraging for players. By quantifying and balancing skill against other matchmaking factors, the company claims that 80-90% of players have a better overall experience, leading to increased player retention and reduced match quitting.
The white paper also provides insight into the factors that determine a player’s skill assessment, such as total kills, kill/death ratio, and kills/deaths by enemy. Notably, support actions like healing teammates or capturing objectives are not directly considered in the skill assessment.
While critics may dismiss the paper’s in-depth analysis of matchmaking as unnecessary, it highlights Activision’s dedication to improving the player experience. Whether SBMM continues to be a controversial feature remains to be seen, but Activision stands by its decision to use it in order to create a more enjoyable and balanced gameplay environment.
Additional facts not mentioned in the article:
1. Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) has been implemented in other popular multiplayer games such as Fortnite and Overwatch, with varying levels of success and player satisfaction.
2. SBMM aims to match players of similar skill levels together to create fair and balanced gameplay experiences.
3. SBMM algorithms consider various factors to determine a player’s skill, including win/loss ratio, match performance, and in-game statistics.
4. SBMM can be more prevalent in ranked or competitive playlists, while casual or unranked playlists may have a looser matchmaking algorithm.
5. Call of Duty has a large and diverse player base, ranging from casual players who enjoy the game casually to professional or highly skilled players who compete competitively.
6. Some players argue that SBMM takes away the unpredictability and casual fun of matches, as every match feels highly competitive and intense.
7. There are concerns that SBMM may prioritize skill over connection quality, leading to laggy or unstable matches.
8. SBMM can lead to longer matchmaking times as the algorithm searches for players of similar skill levels.
9. Players with lower skill levels may feel discouraged or overwhelmed by constantly facing highly skilled opponents in SBMM.
10. The effectiveness of SBMM in preventing blowouts and providing a better overall experience varies among different players, leading to mixed opinions on its benefits.
Key questions and answers:
Q1: How does skill-based matchmaking work?
A1: SBMM algorithms analyze player performance and statistics to match players of similar skill levels together.
Q2: What factors determine a player’s skill assessment in SBMM?
A2: Factors such as win/loss ratio, match performance, and in-game statistics like kills/deaths ratio are considered in a player’s skill assessment.
Q3: Does skill-based matchmaking prioritize skill over connection quality?
A3: There are concerns that SBMM may prioritize skill over connection quality, potentially leading to laggy or unstable matches.
Key challenges or controversies associated with skill-based matchmaking:
1. Balancing fair competition and providing a casual and enjoyable gameplay experience for players of varying skill levels.
2. Ensuring that SBMM is implemented in a way that does not negatively impact matchmaking times or connection quality.
3. Addressing the concerns of players who feel that SBMM restricts their ability to play casually or enjoy the game’s unpredictability.
4. Determining the appropriate balance between skill and other matchmaking factors to create a positive player experience.
Advantages of skill-based matchmaking:
1. Enhances fair and competitive gameplay by matching players of similar skill levels together.
2. Reduces the likelihood of one-sided matches or blowouts, leading to a more balanced and enjoyable experience.
3. Can improve player retention and reduce match quitting as players are more likely to have competitive and engaging matches.
Disadvantages of skill-based matchmaking:
1. Takes away the casual and unpredictable nature of matches, potentially making every match feel highly competitive and intense.
2. May prioritize skill over connection quality, resulting in laggy or unstable matches.
3. Can lead to longer matchmaking times as the algorithm searches for players of similar skill levels.
4. May discourage or overwhelm players with lower skill levels as they constantly face highly skilled opponents.
Suggested related links:
– Call of Duty Blog
– Official Call of Duty website
