Will Call of Duty correct the biggest complaint made by players?

Whether Call of Duty will ever fully resolve the debate over skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) remains to be seen. While Activision has made some adjustments to its matchmaking system in response to player feedback, a significant number of players still feel that SBMM is detrimental to the Call of Duty experience.

The developers of Call of Duty have spoken out on the subject that is most talked about among its community: SBMM (Skill Based Matchmaking).

Two topics are regularly discussed in competitive multiplayer gaming communities like Call of Duty, Valorant, and Apex Legends: cheaters and matchmaking. If the first subject is a constant struggle that concerns all studios, the other is a balancing act that is almost impossible to resolve.

The developers announced two months ago, during the launch of Season 1 of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, that they wanted to begin a "dialogue" with players on the burning issue of level-based matchmaking (or SBMM, for Skill Based Matchmaking).

Today, the studio posted a long blog post to express itself on the subject and in particular to respond to the misconceptions that may have spread about how Call of Duty finds your games.

SBMM in Call of Duty, real or false problem?

The studio first explains the different criteria that are taken into account when placing a player in a game. If the queues are as numerous as the game modes offered (the famous playlists), they are also multiplied according to the profile of the players.

So, depending on your connection (latency), your support (PC, console, mobile), your peripherals (keyboards/mouse, controller), or the activation of voice chat, the system will try to connect you to an ideal server.

But if there is one criterion that has been debated for years, it is the level of players (skill). Activision emphasized this point in its article, explaining in particular how Call of Duty matchmaking works in this regard:

“Play level is determined based on the player's overall performance: kills, deaths, wins, losses, etc., mode selection, and recent matches as an overall metric for all multiplayer experiences. This is a fluid measurement that is constantly updating and reacting to your gameplay. Game level is not only a factor in players' matchmaking against suitable enemies but also in finding teammates.”

All modern multiplayer games evaluate the level of their players to populate their games, whether they are more “tightened” competitive games like Counter-Strike, Valorant, or Overwatch 2, but also battle royale type titles like PUBG, Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone.

Call of Duty, and others, use this level of play to generate sufficiently heterogeneous servers so that all players can find their way around:

“Including game level in the multiplayer matchmaking process in Call of Duty (as it currently exists) increases the variety of results achieved by players of all levels. In other words, all players (regardless of skill level) are proportionally likelier to experience wins and losses.”

This is the essence of SBMM: bringing together on a server a range of players from all levels that are opposed, without filling it with only beginners or quasi-pro players. According to Activision, “Game data indicates that limiting the skill disparity between players in a match promotes a healthier ecosystem.”

Arguments for SBMM

Proponents of SBMM argue that it creates fairer and more competitive matches. By pitting players of similar skill levels against each other, SBMM reduces the likelihood of lopsided victories or defeats. This, in turn, can make the game more enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

Additionally, SBMM can help to prevent casual players from being discouraged by constantly losing to more experienced players. When players are matched with opponents of similar skill, they are more likely to have close matches and feel like they have a chance to win. This can help to maintain player engagement and retention.

Arguments Against SBMM

Critics of SBMM argue that it stifles creativity and forces players to adopt a more "sweaty" playstyle to succeed. When every match feels like a competitive showdown, players may feel pressure to use the most meta weapons and tactics, leading to less variety and experimentation.

This, in turn, can make the game less enjoyable for players who simply want to relax and have some fun. They may feel that they are constantly under pressure to perform at their best, which can take away from the enjoyment of the game.

Long-term work

Except this system has its detractors, who accuse it of essentially the same thing, namely of only playing with players of too high a level. Novice players complain of being faced with opponents who are far too strong for them, while streamers and other content creators are unable to “clutch” as much as they would like against these beginners.

We're caricatures, but it's here to show you the fine rope on which the SBMM must balance, while some would like to see it disabled for non-competitive modes. The challenge for Activision here is the retention of players of all levels, because " when only very skilled players remain because less skilled players have given up in frustration, the result is an ecosystem that is overall worse for everyone" according to the studio.

Activision's Response

Activision has acknowledged the concerns of players who dislike SBMM. The studio has made some adjustments to its matchmaking system, such as relaxing the skill-based matchmaking parameters in some casual game modes. However, Activision has also stated that it intends to keep SBMM in place, as it believes that it is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced multiplayer ecosystem.

The Future of SBMM in Call of Duty

Activision may continue to make adjustments to its matchmaking system to appease both pro-SBMM and anti-SBMM players. However, it is also possible that the debate over SBMM will continue to rage on, with no clear resolution in sight.

Ultimately, the question of whether Call of Duty will ever fully resolve the debate over SBMM is a complex one with no easy answer. It is likely to depend on the studio's willingness to compromise and the ability of players to find common ground.

Activision therefore has no intention of deactivating this system, but announces that it wants to overcome various criticisms made against it. From there to say that this marks the end of the “sweaty” games, we wait and see.