What gets the Call of Duty community talking more than loadouts and warzones? Skill-based Matchmaking (SBMM). This feature has had the player base firmly polarized – you either love it, or you hate it.
Summary
- Many players are frustrated with SBMM due to the consistent high-pressure matches, leaving little room for relaxed gameplay.
- Some players argue they don’t see their skill progress reflected in the game because as their skills improve, so do the skills of their opponents.
- There’s confusion over how the system operates in terms of fairness and consistent engagement.
- Ultimately, a majority of players contribute their displeasure with SBMM to their desire to unwind with casual gaming after a long day.
Understanding the Frustration
In the words of What_The_Hell96, ‘I don’t want to sweat every round.’ This sentiment mirrors that of many who find SBMM doesn’t allow for a casual gaming session, because every match becomes about maintaining a high skill level. It eliminates the possibility to relax and play less competitive games, pushing players into a never-ending cycle of high-intensity battles.
The ‘Unseen’ Progress Dilemma
The ‘I get better, but so does everyone else’ argument comes prominently into play with players voicing out their concerns about not witnessing their progress. As moonski puts it, with SBMM, it is difficult to feel the satisfaction of improvement when everyone around you is improving at the same rate.
The Desire for Casual Play
‘I have a mentally demanding job,’ says AdFluffy3248, which speaks for a large chunk of the gamer audience who simply seek an avenue to distress and have a good time, rather than being sucked into intensely competitive matches. The gaming industry is an entertainment medium, after all.
Divided opinion, passionate players, and a feature designed for fair gameplay stuck in the crossfire. It’s clear that while SBMM was intended to add balance, it’s left many players feeling like the scales are persistently incongruous. Time will tell if Call of Duty can strike the sweet spot between skill-based matchmaking and casual gaming or if the two will forever be mortal enemies.