What is SBMM (Skill based matchmaking) in Call of Duty and why has it left the community divided?


What is SBMM (Skill based matchmaking) in Call of Duty and why has it left the community divided?

Skill Based Matchmaking to be featured in call of duty Modern Warfare II. Credits: Call of Duty

What seems to be a better idea ? Playing FPS games with players with the same caliber and level of yours, or playing with opponents with differences in skills, levels etc. If you selected the first one, well SBMM (Skill Based Matchmaking) is for you! Skill Based Matchmaking refers to a system where the game uses algorithms to match players with teammates and opponents who are at the same level as theirs.

ADVERTISEMENT

SBMM as a system has been around for some time in a number of FPS games, but talks about it have resurfaced as there are speculations that SBMM is going to be included in the upcoming Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, releasing on 28th of October. 

Read More: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to Have Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM)?

Although all players start at the same level in the beginning, the algorithm kicks in and gradually changes their lobbies and matchmaking to players that are on their level. If someone is easily progressing and winning matches, the system pits them against players with a higher skill level to increase difficulty, whereas if someone continues to lose a few matches in a row, they would be matched against players with similar stats. This ensures that players have a challenging and fair game every time they play, eliminating the possibility of huge power gaps between both teammates and opponents. This system feels like a very good form of matchmaking, yet it has caused unrest and division in the COD community.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read More: What Dr. Disrespect had to say about SBMM in Call of Duty MW2

The Call of Duty community is vehemently against SBMM

call of duty
SBMM helps fairplay in lobbies by having players from the same level. Credits: Call of Duty

Streamers and content creators from the Call of Duty community have expressed their vehement dislike against the SBMM feature in the game. While normal players play for the thrill of the game and for getting better at it, streamers play and stream to entertain their audience. Many such streamers have come forward to voice their disinterest in SBMM, stating how their audience wants a show, with clutches and flamboyant attacking plays. Along with the game on screen, entertainment is also provided by the streamers on their face cam and their voice chats with other players online. They argue that no one wants to see a streamer sweating and seriously playing throughout the game, but want them to have fun while playing so it’s more fun for them to watch too.

Read More: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Release Time for all Regions, PC Requirements and More

Although this logic isn’t wrong, not having SBMM would still be very problematic for players as they won’t progress further whilst playing against weak opponents, or won’t have fun or even understand what’s going on against pro or OP players. Lack of SBMM results in what is called a ‘bot lobby’, which is precisely what streamers want. A bot lobby is basically a lobby filled with players on a significantly lower level than the streamers. So, as players as well as stream audience, what do you think about SBMM ?

ADVERTISEMENT

Read More: What is Valorant Premier: Everything to Know About This New Competitive Mode