In the intricate world of multiplayer gaming, the matchmaking process holds the key to ensuring thrilling and fair online battles. Yet, this mechanism often remains shrouded in mystery, leaving players to speculate about its inner workings. Contrary to popular belief, skill alone doesn’t reign supreme in the realm of Call of Duty, a franchise that has captivated millions of players for over two decades.
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An Invitation to Dialogue
Last November, the Call of Duty team hinted at shedding light on their matchmaking system, aiming to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the community.
BREAKING: Call of Duty has addressed SBMM in #MW3:
“Our approach combines latency, search time, and skill, along with many other factors” and the team will share more in “the coming weeks after Season 1 launches.” pic.twitter.com/12uPeVRaMU
— Black Ops 6 Intel (@BlackOps6Intel) November 30, 2023
Today, that promise comes to fruition. The objective? To demystify the matchmaking process, drawing from years of insights to address player queries and concerns. Notably, this explanation pertains solely to multiplayer matchmaking, with details regarding Warzone and ranked matches slated for future revelations.
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Prioritizing Player Enjoyment
“At the heart of our multiplayer matchmaking lies the pursuit of fun for our players,” asserts the Call of Duty team. While the community often labels it as “skill-based matchmaking” (SBMM), the reality is more nuanced. While player skill is a factor, it’s not the sole determinant in matchmaking. Instead, several factors take precedence:
- Connection: “Ping reigns supreme.” Connection quality stands as the foremost influencer in the matchmaking process.
- Time: Nobody enjoys lengthy waits; hence, time becomes the second crucial factor.
Other Weighty Considerations
- Playlist Availability: The number of playlists to choose from.
- Recent Maps and Modes Played: Player preferences and recent gameplay history.
- Skill/Performance: Recent and overall performance metrics such as kills, deaths, wins, and losses.
- Input Device: Whether players use a controller or keyboard and mouse.
- Platform: Distinction between PC and console.
- Voice Chat: Enabled or disabled.
Balancing the Battlefield
Call of Duty developers emphasize that player skill is factored in to ensure a balanced gaming experience. Their data suggests that incorporating skill in matchmaking enhances outcome variability across all player skill levels. In simpler terms, this means every player, regardless of skill, stands a fair chance of experiencing victories and defeats proportionate to their abilities.
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Mitigating Player Discontent
Moreover, data reveals that constant losses for less skilled players often lead to frustration and eventual disengagement, shrinking the player pool. A dwindling player base translates to longer queue times.
Developers argue that if only the most skilled players remain due to others leaving out of frustration, the overall game ecosystem suffers.
In essence, Call of Duty’s matchmaking algorithm isn’t solely about skill; it’s a delicate balance aimed at maximizing enjoyment and ensuring the longevity of the gaming community.
Source: PCGamer
