Ah, Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM), the never-ending drama in the world of Call of Duty that’s more confusing than trying to explain the plot of a Metal Gear Solid game to your grandma. It’s like the ongoing debate about pineapple on pizza, only with more digital bullets and fewer pineapples.
Recently, the gaming world once again found itself plunged into the depths of SBMM discussions thanks to the PlayStation-exclusive Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 beta. It’s a topic that sparks more arguments than a presidential debate, and it’s about as divisive as choosing a side in the great toilet paper orientation debate (over or under?).
For the uninitiated, SBMM is like the matchmaking fairy that tries to pair you with players of similar skill levels, ensuring that every game is a nail-biting, sweat-inducing, and soul-crushing experience. Because nothing says fun like being stuck in a lobby with people who play the game like they’re participating in an Olympic esports competition.
Whenever a new Call of Duty drops, the SBMM debate resurfaces like a recurring nightmare, with players passionately arguing over whether it’ll ruin the game or save it from the depths of noobdom. It’s the gaming equivalent of a Shakespearean tragedy, with players playing the roles of star-crossed lovers, one side craving easy wins, the other seeking challenging battles.
Some players, disgruntled by the oppressive grip of SBMM, resort to “reverse boosting.” It’s like trying to get a participation award in a pro wrestling ring – they intentionally lose to matchmake against less skilled players in the hopes of reliving their glory days.
Now, let’s not forget the plethora of maps in Modern Warfare 3. With 20 playable maps, it’s like Activision decided to give players so many choices that they’d be too busy arguing over their favorite map to notice SBMM.
Critics of SBMM argue that it has no place in casual playlists, insisting that it should be confined to ranked play. After all, why sweat it out in a casual match when you could be chilling like a villain, trying to pull off some insane trick shots, or just randomly tossing grenades at your teammates’ feet for a good laugh?
But hold on, not everyone’s against SBMM. Some folks point out the hypocrisy of high-skill players wanting to stomp on their less fortunate peers instead of duking it out with equals. It’s like asking Michael Jordan to play one-on-one with a bunch of toddlers instead of other NBA legends.
Activision, in its infinite wisdom, has never fully explained the mystical inner workings of Call of Duty’s SBMM. They have, however, consistently frowned upon third-party attempts to game the system. According to Treyarch developer Martin Donlon, SBMM is but one of many “tuneable parameters” in the matchmaking system, not a simple on/off switch. It’s almost like trying to explain why cats always land on their feet – a mystery wrapped in an enigma.
Former Call of Duty developer Michael Condrey chimed in, claiming SBMM wasn’t his idea, and that the decisions were made by the higher-ups at Activision. Ah, the corporate overlords, pulling the strings from behind the scenes like puppet masters of mayhem.
In an unrelated but equally intriguing development, Respawn, the brain behind Apex Legends, gave players a peek behind the curtain of their own SBMM. They swore up and down that they didn’t rig matches to keep players in an eternal loop of frustration. They just wanted to give everyone a “fair chance.” Because fairness is a value that every gamer holds dear, right?
Enter Jack “CouRage” Dunlop, the Call of Duty YouTuber and streamer with a massive following, who declared that COD pubs have become “insufferable” thanks to SBMM. It’s as if he’s starring in a reality TV show called “Matchmaking Madness.”
Despite all the uproar, Activision shows no signs of abandoning SBMM in Modern Warfare 3 or any upcoming COD titles. So, get ready for this annual debate to go quiet for a while, only to rise again like a phoenix from the ashes when the next Call of Duty beta hits in 2024. It’s like the circle of gaming life, or more accurately, the circle of internet outrage.
But wait, there’s more! Some players have raised concerns about cheating in Modern Warfare 3, with clips showing off aimbots and wall hacks on PlayStation 5. Activision has been asked for comment, and we eagerly await their response, which will probably arrive in the form of a cryptic tweet or a press release that raises more questions than it answers.
So, if you’re eager to jump into the battlefield of Modern Warfare 3 early and dive headfirst into the world of SBMM, check out the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer beta global release times. It’s your chance to experience the rollercoaster of emotions that is skill-based matchmaking, where one moment you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re wondering if you should start reverse boosting to save your gaming soul.
