Activision agrees with the players: the matchmaking algorithm of Call of Duty is broken

The multiplayer of Call of Duty has established itself as a pillar in the realm of competitive shooters, attracting millions of active players month after month, both in Warzone and Black Ops 6. However, the community has raised its voice against skill-based matchmaking, known as SBMM, which has generated criticism over the past few years. This system, designed to balance matches by grouping players of similar levels, has been considered problematic by many.

An algorithm that does not generate satisfaction among players

Charlie Olsen, creator of the SBMM algorithm, admitted in a recent interview that this system not only negatively affects the gaming experience but also punishes more skilled players. According to Olsen, “SBMM removes the feeling of progress and mastery” and emphasizes that the importance of statistics, such as the kill ratio, is drastically reduced. This has led to a perception of unfairness among more skilled players, who feel that their efforts to improve are punished with tougher opponents.

At the end of 2023, Activision has been opening the door to possible changes in the SBMM, although an experiment conducted earlier determined that this system is effective in maintaining player interest. However, the changes being considered could influence how players perceive their progress and enjoy the experience. Critics argue that the current SBMM setup not only limits feedback on skills but also concerns those looking to improve their game.

With such a large ecosystem of players, it remains to be seen whether Activision will adopt an approach that reconciles the community’s complaints with the game’s sustainability needs. The conversation about SBMM continues to grow, and players are eagerly awaiting to see how the company will respond to their concerns in the near future. Something that is expected to be substantial, given the recent controversies surrounding the game.

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