How Does SBMM Really Work? Call of Duty Has Finally Explained With an Official Statement and Much-Needed Transparency

Published 12/01/2023, 7:35 AM EST

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Call of Duty has faced endless controversy over skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in recent years. Ever since it was introduced in online matches across different installments, the feature has become highly polarizing. And the latest title, Modern Warfare 3, is no exception. The matchmaking system continues to face backlash.

After a long time of facing the wrath of fans over SBMM, the COD team has finally addressed this situation – thankfully. With a recent statement over the highly debated topic, the team has tried to offer a much-needed clarity to make players understand the reasoning behind implementing matchmaking in online matches.

Call of Duty team promises to be more vocal and detailed on SBMM going forward

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For the uninitiated, skill-based matchmaking simply uses players’ data in order to offer them balanced matches. It uses the stats from K/D (kill per death ratio) and score per minute. This is done to match one player with others having a similar skill level.

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SBMM makes highly skilled players face those who are even more proficient and skilled at the game. Meanwhile, lower skilled players get to face individuals on a similar skill level. The main objective is to prevent casuals from coming across those who are much more experienced. Basically levelling the playing field.

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Now, media outlet CharlieIntel recently shared a massive update on social media. It revealed an official statement, provided by Call of Duty, over skill-based matchmaking in recent installments. The team touched upon the process of how SBMM really works in its games.

Per the approach of COD’s team, the matchmaking system “combines latency, search time, and skill, along with many other factors,” in order to find the best match experience for players.

Moreover, the team also mentioned that it’s been working on SBMM for over ten years now. Which means one can assume it was initially introduced in online matches of titles like Advanced Warfare, followed by all the recent premium releases.

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Further, the official statement also revealed that the team is interested in being more vocal and transparent over SBMM going forward. “Talking about this topic in detail can be hard, and we haven’t spent the time to pull together all of our work to share with you our insights and improvements over the many years. We’re looking forward to doing that in the coming weeks after Season 1 launches”, read the statement.

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All things considered, it looks like the makers have realized that having clarity over complicated situations is the way to go if they have to keep hardcore fans hooked to the FPS franchise. They have to win the trust by sharing necessary information over important topics, especially SBMM. One can surely expect more updates in the future.

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Written by:

Mintu Tomar

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?70 percent of my body is made of Call of Duty.? I am a die-hard Call of Duty lover and a passionate gamer. My deep interest in this franchise is the sole reason I love covering all things CoD.
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Edited by:

Rohan Karnad