Activision Study Proves SBMM Removal Leads To Players’ Decline

Activision recently conducted a study that suggested that players are not in favour of removing skill-based matchmaking from online multiplayer games.

This research, as detailed in a paper published by the company, involved an experiment with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 earlier this year revealed that players are less likely to continue playing an online multiplayer game if it lacks skill-based matchmaking.

Importance: Skill-based matchmaking is crucial for creating a fair and enjoyable gaming experience. By grouping players with similar skill levels, it ensures everyone has a better chance to compete and have fun. Without this system, highly skilled players often dominate matches, making it frustrating for less experienced players.

Traditionally, Call of Duty’s matchmaking system considers a player’s past performance metrics, such as kills and deaths, to match them with players of similar skill levels. This is intended to create competitive matches that are neither too easy nor too difficult.

In the experiment, Activision divided the North American player base into two groups. For one group, it applied a ‘Deprioritise Skill Test’ that loosened the SBMM constraints, placing less emphasis on skill during matchmaking. The other group continued with the standard SBMM algorithm.

The findings revealed that the majority of players in the Deprioritise Skill Test group were less likely to return to the game. Although the top 10% of highly skilled players returned in greater numbers within two weeks (likely due to their increased winning rate), the remaining 90% showed a lower return rate compared to those under normal SBMM.

Activision highlighted that this trend could negatively impact even the top players over time. As the player base dwindles, a top 10% player might find themselves moving up to the top 20% or 30%, resulting in a poorer experience due to the reduced number of available opponents.

The study also noted that completely removing SBMM would likely lead to a rapid decline in the player population within a few months, adversely affecting all players. Conversely, experiments that increased the strictness of SBMM showed that the best players were more likely to drop out, while the bottom 80% were more inclined to stay.

Activision continues to seek a balanced approach to matchmaking to ensure an optimal gaming experience for all players.

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