Call of Duty will never change this feature and it's your fault.

Activision recently ran a secret experiment in Call of Duty, changing the multiplayer matchmaking system and revealing some unexpected results.

Activision recently conducted a bold experiment in Call of Duty multiplayer, making major changes without first notifying players. The initiative was aimed at assessing the impact of these changes on player engagement and satisfaction, and the results were surprising to say the least…

Activision is analyzing players without telling them about Call of Duty

In fact, Activision quietly disabled the Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) system in Call of Duty (Modern Warfare 3?) multiplayer. A decision that proved to be highly unpopular among players. The experiment, conducted without warning, revealed startling results. Increased player dropouts, decreased engagement, and general dissatisfaction.

Skill-based matchmaking is a mechanism that aims to pair players with opponents of similar skill levels. In order to ensure balanced and competitive games, this system has often sparked heated debate within the gaming community. In an in-depth 25-page study titled “The Matchmaking Chain: The Role of Skill in Matchmaking,” Activision examined the impact of this system on the gameplay experience.

During this study, Activision gradually disabled SBMM and monitored player behavior. The results were clear: without SBMM, players were more likely to abandon ongoing matches, played less, and matches were more often unbalanced. It created a frustrating experience for many.

What conclusion should be drawn?

Interestingly, despite players’ frequent complaints about SBMM, disabling it leads to even more negative outcomes. Many players complain about the system, considering it unfair or too restrictive, but this study proves that its absence creates a less enjoyable gaming environment. Without SBMM, the game becomes unbalanced, frustrating, and demotivating, leading to lower player engagement.

Activision plans to maintain SBMM for the long term. Believing that this system allows the majority of players to fully enjoy all aspects of Call of Duty, Activision continues to explore new experiences to improve its matchmaking systems. Although recent tests have highlighted the importance of SBMM, the publisher does not rule out making further adjustments in the future. To further improve balance and player satisfaction.

source : Activision