Did All Call of Duty Games Have Skill-Based Matchmaking?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is yes, most Call of Duty titles have included some form of Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) since the very early days. While the intensity and prominence of SBMM may have varied between titles, and it was not always officially acknowledged, evidence and statements from former developers confirm its presence throughout the franchise’s history. The idea that older Call of Duty titles were devoid of SBMM is a popular misconception, and in reality, it was a tunable parameter in the matchmaking systems since the very beginning.
The Evolution of SBMM in Call of Duty
For many years, the discussion around SBMM in Call of Duty was shrouded in mystery. While players could speculate and often feel its effects, developers largely avoided openly discussing its implementation. This lack of transparency led to a widespread belief that SBMM was a recent addition, particularly prevalent in more modern titles. However, this perception is inaccurate.
Early Days of SBMM
Contrary to popular belief, skill-based matchmaking didn’t suddenly appear in the last few years. Former Activision Senior Systems Designer, Josh Menke, revealed that SBMM has been a part of Call of Duty games since as far back as 2007. This means that even the earliest titles, like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, likely included some form of SBMM. The aim of this matchmaking system, even in these early iterations, was to ensure that players were placed in lobbies with others of a similar skill level.
Confirmation From Developers
Over the years, several developers from both Infinity Ward and Treyarch have confirmed the presence of SBMM across different Call of Duty titles. In 2020, Treyarch developer Martin Donlon tweeted to debunk the myth that previous titles lacked SBMM, stating it was “one of many tunable parameters in a matchmaking system.” This reinforces the notion that SBMM was a part of the series’ DNA, even when it wasn’t publicly acknowledged. Another former Treyarch developer revealed that Black Ops 2 also had SBMM implemented during its development, and it was never removed.
SBMM in Modern Titles
Recent Call of Duty games such as Vanguard, Modern Warfare 2, Warzone 1 & 2, and the upcoming Modern Warfare 3 have all incorporated SBMM prominently. The implementation may have varied slightly but the core principle of matching players based on skill remains consistent.
Variations in SBMM Intensity
While SBMM has been a consistent feature, its intensity and impact on gameplay may have varied between titles. For example, Black Ops 3 was stated to have SBMM but it was less prominent than what was seen in Call of Duty Advanced Warfare. Some players have claimed that SBMM is “worse” in recent entries than in older titles, this is perhaps due to the algorithms being more sophisticated, and the parameters being tuned differently.
The Controversy Surrounding SBMM
Despite being designed to create a more balanced and competitive experience, SBMM is often a controversial topic within the Call of Duty community. There are many different arguments around its implementation.
Why Players Dislike SBMM
One of the main reasons many players dislike SBMM is the perception that it “punishes” higher-skilled players. By placing them into lobbies with other talented opponents, these players claim they are unable to dominate less-skilled players or showcase their skills. Many instead want to play in lobbies where they can achieve high kill-to-death ratios and dominate the competition, which is inherently less likely when in balanced lobbies.
The Argument for SBMM
On the other hand, SBMM has its benefits and is designed to make matches more enjoyable for more players. It aims to create more balanced and competitive matches, leading to a better overall experience. Without SBMM, less skilled players are much more likely to get “stomped” by high-skilled players, which leads to frustration. It’s a fine balance that most game developers struggle with, because if the matchmaking isn’t fun for most players, they’ll move on.
Balancing Fun and Competition
Ultimately, the goal of SBMM is to balance fun and competition. Whether or not this goal is achieved is highly debatable, and depends on the implementation of each game, as well as personal opinion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the notion that older Call of Duty games lacked SBMM is inaccurate. Skill-based matchmaking has been a component of the series since its inception, though the prominence and intensity of SBMM have varied between titles. While it remains a contentious topic, SBMM is likely here to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was SBMM officially introduced in Call of Duty?
SBMM was implemented in the Call of Duty franchise starting from the early days, around 2007, according to former Activision Senior Systems Designer, Josh Menke, however there was little to no public awareness of its existence.
2. Did the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare have SBMM?
Yes, while it wasn’t publicly acknowledged, the original Modern Warfare (CoD4) and all following titles used a form of SBMM according to information from a former Activision Senior Systems Designer, Josh Menke.
3. Is SBMM present in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022)?
Yes, Modern Warfare 2 (2022) includes SBMM as a prominent feature. The system is active in all standard multiplayer playlists.
4. Does Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 have SBMM?
Yes, according to a former Treyarch developer, Black Ops 2 did have SBMM implemented during development, and it was never removed.
5. Is SBMM in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War?
There have been claims of SBMM being removed in Black Ops Cold War, however it is still present, although possibly less aggressive than other titles.
6. Did Black Ops 3 have SBMM?
Yes, Black Ops 3 had SBMM, although it was reported that it would be less prominent than in Advanced Warfare.
7. Does Call of Duty: Warzone have SBMM?
Yes, both Warzone 1 and Warzone 2 have SBMM. It is a significant factor in matchmaking in these titles.
8. How does SBMM work in party play?
When you play in a party, the SBMM algorithm tends to match you with other players who have also formed parties. This means you’ll likely encounter other premade squads.
9. Why is SBMM so controversial in Call of Duty?
SBMM is controversial because it’s said to punish higher-skilled players by matching them against other equally skilled players. Some feel that it prevents them from dominating less-skilled players.
10. Is there a way to bypass SBMM in Call of Duty?
One of the popular methods to attempt to bypass SBMM is using a VPN, which can change your location and may influence matchmaking. However this can be unreliable and is not guaranteed.
11. Why do some Call of Duty streamers seem to get easier lobbies?
Some believe streamers get easier lobbies because it makes the game look more accessible and appealing to new players. This is said to benefit Activision by showcasing the game in a favorable light, although there is no official evidence to support this theory.
12. Does the upcoming Modern Warfare 3 include SBMM?
Yes, Modern Warfare 3 has confirmed that SBMM will be active throughout the multiplayer experience. This is in line with recent Call of Duty titles.
13. What other games use Skill Based Matchmaking?
Many other multiplayer games also use skill-based matchmaking such as Fortnite, Fall Guys and Halo.
14. Does SBMM improve the experience for casual players?
The intention of SBMM is to create a more balanced experience for casual players by matching them with players of similar skill, which theoretically provides a more enjoyable experience. However, many casual players find SBMM to be too restrictive, and would prefer less competitive matches.
15. When did the term “skill-based matchmaking” first appear?
The term “skill-based matchmaking” first appeared in a 2008 interview with game designer John Carmack, who emphasized its importance in Quake Live (2010), although the use of such systems goes back much further than this.