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- Ranked modes already cater to competitive players with strict SBMM.
- Because SBMM is used everywhere these days, each match becomes repetitive and a grind, making it harder for players to enjoy a relaxed gaming experience.
- Games like XDefiant are praised for abandoning SBMM for public matches. This system offers even faster matches and a separate ranked mode for grinding and sweaty matches.
Multiplayer gaming has changed vastly over the past decade, and while new genres and games have been introduced, the experience has arguably gotten worse. This is alluded to by the fact that the industry has grown substantially, and publishers have become way too greedy.
Popularized by Call of Duty, SBMM in video games has been highly controversial, with most players showing a dislike towards the feature. SBMM is short for skill-based matchmaking, and what it does is pit players against other players of the same skill.
While it does sound good on paper, Skill-Based Matchmaking serves the entire purpose of Rank Modes, which are meant for competitive players.
Why it matters: Without SBMM, players can either stomp or get stomped on in different matches, and the outcome of each game really depends on the rest of the lobby.
SBMM Ruins Casual Gaming Experience By Making Matches Repetitive
Playing against people of the same skill may sound less intimidating, but that gets boring after a few matches since you barely get high-kill games, and your K/D stays constant. In a way, players don’t get crushed easily, but that’s the best part about pubs; every match is different, and you either stomp on or get stomped on.
Ranked mode already exists, so why even utilize SBMM if all it does is ruin player experience? In free-to-play games, SBMM is even worse since veterans will create smurf accounts and wipe out entire lobbies of new players, who will then get intimidated and leave the game altogether.
While my argument may seem pointless, the reality of SBMM is much deeper, and games nowadays use a much more complex system. Most games nowadays use the Elo system.
The Elo system is based on more recent players’ performance. If an average player wins against a really good player, he will match up against players of that caliber, meaning a sweatier lobby.
This restricts the players’ ability to grow because every time you’re on a growing curve, you’re likely to fall after getting a match with pros and competitive players.
No, SBMM Is Not Good For General Players
While everyone says that SBMM is only beneficial for streamers and not for the general audience, that can be rebutted by the fact that those players can play Ranked modes to level up and improve.
SBMM also hinders player growth because all you do is play against people of your skill, which is no fun. It makes it harder to catch up with people since there is no progressive overload, and every match is a competitive experience.
This argument is being made considering the game features casual and a ranked mode. SBMM being added to normal matches ruins the whole point of adding a ranked category.
XDefiant Set A Great Standard
In this era of games like Call of Duty and Apex Legends reigning, Ubisoft’s new shooter completely abandons the SBMM aspect for the better. While Xdefiant did fall short of its potential and expectations, I appreciate the devs’ bold decision to go without SBMM.
This is a win-win situation since no SBMM means varied matches every time and a fast connection to games. You don’t have to queue for minutes in the lobby while the game tries to connect you with other players on a similar skill level.
XDefiant also has a ranked mode, so if players want a non-casual and competitive experience, they can opt for that instead. The best part is that up to 10 levels, the game has SBMM implemented, so new players don’t get stomped by smurfs and get an actual chance to get better.
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[News Reporter]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
Get In Touch: shaheer@tech4gamers.com
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