In the fast-paced world of online gaming, one of the most talked-about aspects is skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). Players often debate its effectiveness and its impact on player experience. A recent study conducted by Activision, the publisher of the immensely popular game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3,” sheds light on the preferences of players when it comes to SBMM and its implications.
Skill-based matchmaking is a system used in multiplayer games to pair players of similar skill levels together in a match. The goal is to provide a more balanced and competitive experience, allowing players to be challenged by opponents of similar capabilities. The alternative, without imposing skill-based matchmaking, is random matchmaking, where players are matched purely based on chance, which may result in matches that are too easy or too difficult depending on skill disparities.
Activision’s study focused on the behavior of players in “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” – specifically, how their engagement and gameplay frequency were affected by the presence or absence of skill-based matchmaking. To conduct this study, Activision tracked and analyzed data from a large sample of players over an extended period.
The results of the study revealed a strong correlation between player engagement and the inclusion of skill-based matchmaking. When skill-based matchmaking was disabled, players were found to be significantly less likely to continue playing the game. Activision observed a decline in the overall time spent by players in the game, as well as a decrease in the frequency of gameplay sessions.
These findings can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, skill-based matchmaking ensures that players are consistently presented with challenges that match their capabilities. This keeps them engaged and invested in the game as they strive to improve their skills to overcome increasingly challenging opponents. It provides a sense of accomplishment when players can notice their progress and see their efforts paying off.
Moreover, skill-based matchmaking fosters a fair and balanced playing field. It minimizes situations where players dominate or get dominated due to skill gaps, creating a more enjoyable and competitive experience for all participants. This leads to greater player satisfaction and may contribute to increased game retention.
Conversely, the absence of skill-based matchmaking may lead to frustrating experiences for either highly skilled players or those who are still developing their abilities. Frequent mismatches can discourage experienced players as they face opponents who are significantly less skilled, thus removing the motivation to continue playing. On the other hand, less skilled players may become discouraged when constantly outmatched, hindering their desire to improve and engage with the game further.
Although the results of this study pertain specifically to “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3,” they shed light on the wider impact of skill-based matchmaking in the gaming community. Players value the element of challenge and fairness that skill-based matchmaking provides, which contributes to their overall enjoyment and desire to continue playing.
skill-based matchmaking plays a crucial role in the engagement and gameplay experience of players in “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” and potentially in other online games as well. Activision’s study demonstrates that when skill-based matchmaking is absent, players are less likely to play the game due to imbalanced matchmaking and reduced challenges. By understanding these preferences, developers can better shape their games to meet player expectations and create an environment that fosters continuous engagement and satisfaction.
