Why are people against skill-based matchmaking?

Why are People Against Skill-Based Matchmaking?

Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) has been a topic of controversy in the gaming community, with some players vehemently opposing it. But what exactly is SBMM, and why do some players dislike it so much? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the opposition to SBMM and shed light on the benefits and drawbacks of this matchmaking system.

What is Skill-Based Matchmaking?

SBMM is a matchmaking system that pairs players of similar skill levels together. The idea is to ensure that players are matched against opponents who are roughly on the same level, creating a more balanced and enjoyable gaming experience. This system is designed to reduce the likelihood of players being overwhelmed by opponents who are significantly better or worse than they are.

Why do People Hate SBMM?

Despite its intended benefits, SBMM has drawn criticism from many players. Here are some reasons why:

• Lack of Challenge: Some players feel that SBMM is too restrictive, preventing them from being matched with players who are significantly better than they are. This lack of challenge can lead to boredom and a sense of stagnation.
• Unfair Advantage: When players are matched with opponents who are significantly worse, they may feel that they have an unfair advantage, which can lead to an unbalanced and unfulfilling gaming experience.
• Limited Opportunities to Improve: SBMM can limit the opportunities for players to improve their skills by not matching them with opponents who are significantly better.
• Lack of Competition: SBMM can create a sense of complacency, as players may not feel the need to improve their skills if they are consistently matched with opponents who are at a similar level.
• Punishes Good Players: SBMM can punish good players by limiting their opportunities to play against opponents who are significantly better, thereby preventing them from improving and staying challenged.

Other Concerns

In addition to the above concerns, some players have raised the following issues with SBMM:

• MMR Inflation: SBMM can lead to MMR (matchmaking rating) inflation, where players are matched with opponents who are slightly better than they are, causing their MMR to increase artificially.
• MMR Deflation: Conversely, SBMM can also lead to MMR deflation, where players are matched with opponents who are significantly worse, causing their MMR to decrease artificially.
• Difficulty in Finding Games: SBMM can make it difficult for players to find games, especially if they are not matched with opponents of a similar skill level.
• Inconsistent MMR: SBMM can lead to inconsistent MMR, where players’ MMR fluctuates wildly due to the system’s algorithms.

Benefits of SBMM

Despite the criticism, SBMM has its benefits:

• Improved Game Balance: SBMM helps to create a more balanced game environment, where players are matched with opponents of similar skill levels.
• Reduced Toxicity: SBMM can reduce toxicity by preventing players from being matched with opponents who are significantly better or worse, reducing the likelihood of harassment and abuse.
• Increased Player Satisfaction: SBMM can increase player satisfaction by providing a more enjoyable and challenging gaming experience.

Conclusion

SBMM is a complex system that has both benefits and drawbacks. While it is designed to create a more balanced and enjoyable gaming experience, it can also be restrictive and limit opportunities for players to improve their skills. Ultimately, the decision to implement SBMM should be based on a careful consideration of its benefits and drawbacks, as well as the needs and preferences of the gaming community.

Table: Benefits and Drawbacks of SBMM

References:

• [1] Activision. (2022). Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. Retrieved from https://www.callofduty.com/modernwarfare-II
• [2] Blizzard Entertainment. (2022). Overwatch. Retrieved from https://www.playoverwatch.com/en-us/
• [3] Valve Corporation. (2022). Dota 2. Retrieved from https://www.dota2.com/