Activision has released a comprehensive white paper detailing the mechanics behind its skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) system in the popular Call of Duty franchise. The document provides a thorough examination of how players are matched in multiplayer games and includes insights from extensive testing conducted over the past five years.
In April, Activision published a 1,700-word essay titled “Call of Duty: An Inside Look at Matchmaking,” accompanied by the subheading, “Starting the conversation about Matchmaking in Call of Duty.” The essay aimed to initiate a dialogue with the Call of Duty community about the game’s matchmaking process, though it did not allow for direct comments. The company emphasized that its SBMM system is designed to match players with opponents and teammates of similar skill levels, a concept that is straightforward yet often contentious among players.
Expanding on this initial discussion, Activision has now released a more detailed 25-page white paper titled “The Role of Skill in Matchmaking.” This follow-up explores the various components of the SBMM system, clarifying that player skill is just one of many factors considered. The white paper outlines additional elements, such as:
- Ping rates
- Time to match start
- Input types (mouse/keyboard vs. controller)
- Platform
- Voice chat usage
- Recent maps and game modes
The inclusion of factors like maps, modes, and voice chat highlights their impact on the overall gaming experience, potentially more so than skill alone. Activision underscores the importance of connection quality, stating, “As the community will attest, Ping is King. Connection is the most critical and heavily weighted factor in the matchmaking process.”
The white paper also delves into the ongoing testing and optimization of the SBMM system. Over the past five years, many Call of Duty players unknowingly participated in A/B tests designed to assess different matchmaking configurations. These tests involved dividing servers into groups, with some players experiencing a “looser” SBMM setting, resulting in a wider range of skill disparities.
Data collected from these tests, including player engagement, match quit rates, and game outcomes, revealed that players in the control group (with standard SBMM settings) generally played longer sessions and experienced closer match scores. In contrast, the test group, with reduced SBMM influence, saw more one-sided matches and higher quit rates. These findings suggest that while SBMM remains a contentious topic, it plays a crucial role in maintaining balanced and enjoyable gameplay.
Activision’s latest revelations are unlikely to quell the debate surrounding SBMM. However, the company’s commitment to continuously testing and refining the system demonstrates an effort to provide a fair and balanced experience for all players.
