Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) has stirred up a lot of discussion among fans over the last few years. Many still see it as a concern, especially in popular franchises like Call of Duty. To tackle this issue, Activision tasked one of its subsidiary studios, Demonware, with improving the SBMM system.
An insider close to the Call of Duty team explained that SBMM is “complicated but pragmatic.” They mentioned that they are always seeking ways to enhance every aspect that contributes to a game’s success, with SBMM being one of those elements. It involves a lot of trial and error.
SBMM is crucial for maintaining a healthy player base. After the disappointing performance of Vanguard, Activision saw it as an opportunity to start fresh and reevaluate the system. This reevaluation involved a collective effort from multiple studios, aiming to create a balanced and sensible system that accommodates players of all skill levels. An insider mentioned that the new system would be less punishing for high-skilled players while still providing a protected environment for beginners.
Bot Pools for Matchmaking
In addition to the SBMM changes, there are plans to introduce Bot Pools (PvPvE) for the new DMZ mode and Warzone 2. These Bot Pools will depend on a player’s stats to determine eligibility. With improved AI, the system can monitor a player’s skill level throughout a match and adjust accordingly, even addressing issues like ‘Smurfing’ or removing problematic players.
The introduction of Bot Pools is also aimed at improving accessibility. An insider highlighted that this new feature would cater specifically to players with disabilities, making the game more inclusive and allowing more fans to enjoy it.
Permanent Disbanding of Lobbies
It appears that disbanding lobbies will remain a permanent feature. An insider emphasized that this is essential for maintaining the SBMM structure, stating that removing it would cause the system to collapse. They noted that the internal debate on SBMM began after the release of Modern Warfare (2019), which prompted a plan of action.
The teams were unprepared for the overwhelming success of Modern Warfare (2019), and the outdated system they used was put on full display. Although it’s been under development and constant maintenance since then, the SBMM system continues to evolve in response to player feedback and new game releases.