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- Activision recently conducted a secret investigation to prove that Skill matters in online matchmaking.
- The giant toned down SBMM for 50% of the North American MW3 players.
- Due to that, 90% of the player base played the game less than usual, but the top 10% wasn’t that affected.
Online gaming, while it seems pretty simple, is a lot more complicated, especially for multiplayer shooters. There has always been a debate about skill-based matchmaking, as some fans prefer it, and some don’t.
We have seen many preferring it as it allows them to have fun at their own rank. SBMM has become pretty famous in the past few years, and of course, it has become controversial, too. However, now, thanks to a secret investigation conducted by the none other Activision, it is clear that fans prefer SBMM.
Why it matters: For someone to be able to enjoy an online shooter, they would need to play it with people who match their skills.
Those original top players will become increasingly likely to not return to the game. Ultimately, this will result in a worse experience for all players, as there will be fewer and fewer players available to play with
-Activision
In a massive 25-page report from Activision, the company revealed the role of skill in matchmaking. The company highlighted in the document that it secretly experimented by decreasing skill-based matchmaking and figured out that players are actually in its favor, even if they don’t realize it.
There have been many gamers who considered the SBMM to be trash. So, Activision took matters into its own hands and conducted a secret experiment without letting the players know. The experiment occurred in Modern Warfare 3, the worst Call of Duy Game in early 2024.
Activision turned down the tone of skill-based matchmaking for 50% of the North American players. More than 90% of the players played less than they usually do after this particular mechanic was toned down. The top 10% of skilled players weren’t that affected, and it is pretty obvious why.
If SBMM is turned off, then, of course, the more skilled players will have more benefits. It goes without saying. So, this would mean the loss of 90% of the player base, which would be a disaster for a multiplayer game.
This is why skill-based matchmaking is extremely important for those who aren’t that skilled in the game. Of course, it won’t affect the skilled players that much, as with this option turned on, they will be able to play against players with similar skill levels.
Previously, connection-based matchmaking was used to pair players together. That is also not an ideal mechanic to use in online shooters. Having a good internet connection doesn’t mean having better skills. So, we agree with what Activision has said, which is that skill plays an important role in online matchmaking.
It is worth noting that the game in question, MW3, is already available on Game Pass. Also, the upcoming Call of Duty is coming to Game Pass, but it won’t be available on each tier.
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[News Editor]
Obaid is pursuing a Law degree while working as a content writer. He has worked as a gaming writer for over three years because of his passion for the medium and reporting the latest updates in the industry. Having played hundreds of games, Obaid finds himself coming back to Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2, with these games being among his favorites. He has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as Wccftech, Metro UK, PS Lifestyle, GamePressure, VGC, and Gamespot.
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