COD SBMM: What is Skill-Based Match making in Black Ops 6 and Warzone?
Explore the heated debate surrounding Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) in Call of Duty. Learn how it works, its impact on gameplay, and why it’s such a divisive issue among players. Is SBMM improving the experience or ruining the fun?
Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) has been a hot-button issue for years in the Call of Duty community. Every time a new CoD game drops—whether it's the latest Black Ops 6 or the annual Warzone refresh—SBMM sets off debates that flood forums, social media, and in-game lobbies alike. Some players love it, others loathe it, but no one can seem to ignore it.
Let’s dive into the world of SBMM, break it down, and see why it’s such a divisive topic for the Call of Duty franchise.
What Is Skill-Based Matchmaking in Call of Duty?
At its core, Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) does exactly what its name suggests: it groups players of similar skill levels together in a lobby. Instead of focusing solely on factors like connection quality, SBMM crunches stats like kill-death ratio (K/D), win rates, and average score per game to ensure players face opponents of roughly equal talent.
The goal? To make matches fairer and more enjoyable, especially for newcomers. For example, if you’re just picking up a controller for the first time, SBMM ensures you won’t immediately get stomped by a level 500 veteran with diamond-camouflaged weapons. Instead, you’ll face other new players, giving you a chance to learn and enjoy the game.
Sounds good, right? Well, not everyone is a fan.
Why Is SBMM So Controversial?
SBMM has been ruffling feathers in the CoD community for years, but the reasons behind the controversy are layered. Let’s break them down:
1. The “Sweat Lobby” Effect
Many players argue that SBMM turns every match into a sweat-fest. Gone are the days of relaxing public matches where you could dominate a lobby without breaking a sweat. Now, every game feels like you’re playing the CoD World Championships. For casual players, this can kill the fun.
2. Punishing Good Players
The better you perform, the tougher your matches become. Seasoned players often feel “punished” for doing well, as SBMM places them in lobbies with equally skilled (and equally sweaty) opponents. The result? Fewer opportunities for high-kill games and highlight-worthy plays.
3. Protecting New Players
On the flip side, some argue SBMM caters too much to beginners. By shielding new players from experienced ones, critics believe it prevents newcomers from learning and improving by facing tougher competition.
A Brief History of SBMM in Call of Duty
While SBMM has always existed in some form, it wasn’t until Advanced Warfare (2014) that players began noticing its impact. Fast forward to Modern Warfare (2019), and SBMM became a full-blown controversy. Many fans felt the system was dialed up to an extreme, fundamentally changing the casual CoD experience.
In April 2024, Activision finally broke their silence on SBMM, releasing official matchmaking “White Papers.” These documents revealed how matchmaking works in non-ranked modes, with priorities listed as follows:
- Connection quality
- Time to match
- Player diversity
- Recent maps and modes
- Skill and performance
- Input device
- Platform
- Voice chat preferences
While skill is clearly a factor, it’s not always the top priority, especially in non-ranked modes.
Does Black Ops 6 Use SBMM?
The answer is… kind of. In Black Ops 6, skill does influence matchmaking, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. Activision’s White Papers suggest other factors, like connection quality and time to match, take precedence in casual modes. However, the exact weight of skill in the matchmaking formula remains unclear.
Neither Activision nor the developers behind Black Ops 6 have explicitly confirmed whether SBMM is the driving force behind matchmaking. That said, players have reported that lobbies still feel “sweaty,” so it’s safe to assume skill plays a significant role.
Additional Insights on SBMM
1. Connection vs. Skill
One of the biggest criticisms of SBMM is that it sometimes sacrifices connection quality to prioritize skill-based lobbies. This can result in higher latency (a.k.a. lag), which is a major frustration for players.
2. Ranked vs. Casual Play
Many fans argue that SBMM should only exist in ranked modes, where competition is expected, and leave casual modes for a more relaxed, connection-based matchmaking system. However, Activision seems committed to blending SBMM into all aspects of the game.
3. The Impact on Game Longevity
From a business perspective, SBMM might be a win for Activision. By protecting new players and giving them a better experience, they’re more likely to stick around and spend money on cosmetics, battle passes, and DLCs. But for hardcore fans, this strategy feels like a betrayal of the series’ roots.
The Future of SBMM in Call of Duty
As the Call of Duty franchise evolves, so too will its matchmaking systems. While SBMM isn’t going anywhere, there’s always the possibility of adjustments to make it more balanced. For now, the debate rages on, with players divided between wanting fairer matches and craving the unpredictability of traditional lobbies.
One thing’s for sure: SBMM is here to stay, and it will continue to spark fiery discussions with every new CoD release.
Final Thoughts: Is SBMM a Blessing or a Curse?
Ultimately, your opinion on SBMM depends on what you want from Call of Duty. If you value competitive, fair matches, SBMM might be your best friend. But if you’re nostalgic for the chaotic, anything-goes lobbies of older titles, you might find it more frustrating than fun.
No matter which side you’re on, one thing’s clear: SBMM isn’t just a matchmaking system—it’s a game-changer, for better or worse.
