In a recent blog post, Activision has shed some light on the often controversial topic of matchmaking in Call of Duty’s multiplayer mode. Addressing the widespread perception of “high SBMM,” or skill-based matchmaking, the publisher has stated that skill is just one of many factors taken into consideration when creating lobbies.
According to Activision, factors such as connection, matchmaking start times, playlist diversity, recent maps and modes, input devices, platforms, and voice chat settings are also prioritized in the matchmaking process. The blog also debunks the theories that hit registration, damage-based, or aim assist-based factors affect matchmaking, and clarifies that purchasing store bundles does not influence the matchmaking system.
The skill level of players is determined based on overall performance metrics, including kills, deaths, wins, losses, mode selection, and recent matches. This data helps in not only matching players against appropriate opponents but also in finding suitable teammates. Activision claims that considering skill in matchmaking is essential for maintaining a healthy matchmaking ecosystem, as it prevents lower skill players from quitting matches or stopping altogether due to consistent losses.
While the new transparency from Activision may not alleviate the frustrations of players who often find themselves in intense, competitive lobbies, the company has acknowledged the feedback and expressed commitment to exploring ways to mitigate the concerns of high-skill players who seek more variety in their multiplayer experience.
In response to Activision’s blog post, the gaming community has expressed a range of opinions. Some players have welcomed the transparency and appreciated the efforts to address long-standing concerns about matchmaking. However, others remain skeptical, questioning whether Activision will truly take steps to provide a more balanced and varied gameplay experience. The debate around skill-based matchmaking in Call of Duty is likely to continue, and players eagerly await further details concerning Warzone and Ranked Play in the upcoming updates.