Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) has become a controversial feature in many online multiplayer games, particularly in competitive titles such as Call of Duty, Overwatch, Fortnite, and League of Legends. The core idea behind SBMM is simple: players are matched with others of similar skill levels, based on factors like win rates, rank, and performance metrics. The aim is to create fair and balanced games where players can compete on an equal footing, resulting in more enjoyable and satisfying experiences.
However, while SBMM is praised by many for fostering a sense of fairness, it has also sparked significant debate. Some players feel that the system promotes a more enjoyable and competitive environment, while others argue that it detracts from the fun and accessibility of the game. In this article, we will explore both sides of the SBMM debate, examining its pros and cons, and how it impacts the overall gaming experience.
What is Skill-Based Matchmaking?
Skill-based matchmaking is a system used in online multiplayer game last war best heroes to pair players based on their relative skill levels. This is usually determined through several metrics, such as:
- Win/loss ratios: A player’s historical performance in matches.
- Kill/death ratios (K/D): A measure of how many kills a player gets compared to how many times they die.
- Ranking or tier systems: Many competitive games use ranks (such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) to segment players into different skill brackets.
- Performance-based stats: Metrics like accuracy, objectives completed, damage dealt, or other game-specific statistics.
SBMM strives to create matches where the players are evenly matched, minimizing the chance of one team being significantly more skilled than the other. In theory, this leads to more competitive and engaging gameplay, as players are less likely to experience “stomping” (i.e., dominating matches against much weaker players) or being stomped themselves by more skilled opponents.
The Case for Skill-Based Matchmaking
1. Fairness and Competitive Balance
The most obvious benefit of SBMM is that it ensures fairness. By matching players with others of similar skill levels, the game creates a more balanced environment where everyone has a relatively equal chance of winning. This can be especially important in competitive games, where players are striving to improve their skills and reach higher ranks.
For example, in a game like League of Legends, where players’ skills can vary greatly, SBMM ensures that players won’t be unfairly matched against opponents who have significantly more experience or better reflexes. This helps players focus on improving their own abilities without being overwhelmed by players who are much more skilled.
2. More Engaging and Challenging Gameplay
SBMM can lead to more engaging matches by providing players with opponents who challenge them at their skill level. Instead of winning or losing easily, players are put in situations where they must adapt, learn, and continuously improve their gameplay. For players looking for a more serious and competitive experience, SBMM provides the thrill of fair competition, rather than the frustration of playing against overwhelmingly skilled opponents.
In games like Overwatch or Valorant, where tactical play and team coordination are critical, SBMM ensures that both individual performance and teamwork are equally important, encouraging players to focus on honing their skills in a balanced environment.
3. Reduction in “Smurfing” and “Boosting”
Smurfing (when a highly skilled player intentionally plays at a lower level to dominate weaker opponents) and boosting (when a high-skilled player helps someone else rank up) are common problems in competitive games. SBMM reduces the likelihood of this by matching players based on their actual skill level rather than simply their rank. This ensures that players can’t easily “smurf” by creating new accounts, as they will be matched with similarly skilled players quickly.
In this way, SBMM helps maintain a fair and enjoyable environment for players of all skill levels, reducing the negative impact of cheaters or players intentionally trying to undermine the system.
4. More Rewarding Progression
For players looking to improve and climb the ranks, SBMM offers a more rewarding progression system. Players will face challenges that match their skill level, allowing them to improve gradually while feeling the satisfaction of earning victories. This encourages players to stick with the game long-term, as they can see their growth and feel like they’re constantly being pushed to improve.
The Case Against Skill-Based Matchmaking
Despite its apparent benefits, SBMM has generated significant backlash among certain sections of the gaming community. Critics of SBMM argue that it can lead to frustrating experiences and negatively impact the overall enjoyment of the game. Let’s explore some of the common criticisms.
1. Too Much Stress and Pressure
One of the most frequently cited drawbacks of SBMM is that it can add a significant amount of stress and pressure to the gaming experience. In games where players are matched with others who are similarly skilled, the matches are often close and intense, meaning the stakes feel high for every encounter. For casual players, this can turn gaming from a fun, low-stress activity into a pressure-filled experience where losing feels like a personal failure.
Many players prefer a more laid-back experience where they can enjoy the game without constantly worrying about their performance or rank. SBMM removes that possibility, particularly in games where there’s little room for casual play, forcing players to always play at their best to avoid losing and slipping down the ranks.
2. Fewer Opportunities for Casual Play
For many gamers, the appeal of online multiplayer games lies in the ability to jump into a match with friends and have fun without worrying too much about the outcome. SBMM can detract from this experience by making every match feel too competitive. Players may not be able to enjoy the game as much when they’re constantly pitted against players who are as skilled—or more skilled—than them.
Casual players might struggle to find a balance between enjoying the game for fun and being placed in games where the stakes feel too high. The lack of low-stakes matches or modes could be a significant downside for those who aren’t looking for a serious, competitive environment every time they play.
3. Long Queue Times
In games with large player bases, SBMM can sometimes lead to longer queue times. Since players are matched based on skill, there may not be enough players of the same skill level online at a given moment, especially in regions with fewer players. This can create frustration for players who simply want to jump into a match without having to wait for long periods.
In fast-paced games, where instant action is a key part of the appeal, waiting for an opponent with a similar skill level can feel like an unnecessary barrier to enjoyment. This is particularly evident in games with less population density, where matchmaking algorithms may struggle to find a balanced match quickly.
4. Stagnation and Repetition
Some players argue that SBMM can lead to stagnation in gameplay, as everyone in a skill bracket faces the same types of challenges. As players improve, they might find themselves facing the same set of tactics or strategies, which can lead to a more repetitive experience. Without the variety of matches that come from facing players of different skill levels, games can feel stale and predictable.
Additionally, SBMM can create an environment where players are always striving for small incremental improvements rather than experiencing the more varied dynamics of playing against both highly skilled and less-skilled opponents. This can make some players feel as though they’re grinding for the sake of grinding rather than having fun.
Finding a Middle Ground: Hybrid Systems
To address the concerns of both sides, some games have started implementing hybrid matchmaking systems, where SBMM is combined with elements of connection-based matchmaking or ranking flexibility. These systems might prioritize skill balance while still occasionally allowing for casual matches, which can provide players with the freedom to choose how serious they want the match to be.
In games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Apex Legends, players can opt for modes that focus on skill-based matchmaking for competitive play or non-SBMM modes for more casual experiences. These hybrid systems aim to balance fairness and competitiveness with the ability for players to enjoy a variety of gaming experiences.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Debate
Skill-based matchmaking continues to be a polarizing feature in online games. While it offers a more balanced and fair experience for many players, it also risks alienating those who prefer a more relaxed, casual approach to gaming. The challenge for developers is to create a system that caters to both competitive players seeking challenge and casual players who want a less stressful, more flexible experience.
As the gaming community continues to evolve, finding a balance between fairness and enjoyment will remain one of the key challenges in matchmaking systems. Whether through SBMM, hybrid matchmaking, or a combination of other approaches, the goal should always be to foster a positive and inclusive environment where players of all skill levels can have fun.