In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between these two systems, the pros and cons of each, and ultimately, whether one system is better than the other—or if there’s a way to combine the best aspects of both.

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1. What is Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM)?

Skill-Based Matchmaking, as the name implies, matches players with others who are similar in terms of skill level. This is determined by various metrics, such as K/D ratio, win percentage, score per minute (SPM), or even specific in-game performance indicators. The primary goal of SBMM is to ensure that players face opponents who provide a fair, competitive challenge. This system helps avoid situations where experienced players dominate inexperienced ones, creating an uneven and frustrating experience for the less-skilled.

Pros of SBMM:

• Fair and Competitive Matches: Players of similar skill levels are matched together, ensuring that each game remains balanced and competitive.
• Increased Challenge: For high-skill players, SBMM offers increasingly challenging matches, pushing them to improve and refine their skills.
• Prevents Smurfing: Smurfing, where high-level players deliberately create low-level accounts to dominate inexperienced players, is minimized under SBMM because players are matched based on their skill rather than their account level.

Cons of SBMM:

• Frustration for Casual Players: Casual players often find themselves facing off against opponents who are too skilled for them, which can turn a fun game into a frustrating grind.
• "Sweaty" Playstyle: The intense competition can lead players to focus too much on performance metrics (like K/D ratio), making the game feel more like a job than a fun hobby.
• Reduced Variety: SBMM encourages the use of the "meta" (the most effective strategies or weapons), which can lead to repetitive playstyles and limit player creativity.
• Increased Toxicity: High-stakes, competitive play can sometimes foster toxic behaviors, as players may become frustrated or blame teammates for losing.

2. What is Connection-Based Matchmaking (CBMM)?

Connection-Based Matchmaking is a system that prioritizes the quality of the player’s internet connection when selecting opponents. The primary goal is to ensure that players are matched with others who have similar ping times (latency), creating a smoother and more responsive gameplay experience. This system focuses on network performance rather than skill level, aiming to reduce lag, rubberbanding, and other connection issues that can negatively affect gameplay.

Pros of CBMM:

• Smooth Gameplay Experience: By matching players with similar connection speeds, CBMM ensures that players experience minimal lag, which is essential for fast-paced games like Call of Duty.
• Focus on Networking Quality: CBMM eliminates the frustration that comes with high ping or poor server connections, allowing players to focus on their skill instead of being handicapped by technical issues.
• Ideal for Casual Play: Because CBMM doesn’t focus on skill, it can provide a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for players who don’t want to face constant challenges or high-level competitors.

Cons of CBMM:

• Unbalanced Matches: While the connection may be good, the skill gap between players can be significant, which can make matches either feel too easy or too difficult.
• Smurfing and Stale Meta: Without SBMM’s skill-based constraints, high-level players could exploit the system to crush newer or less experienced players. This can also encourage the use of "meta" loadouts, since players often play optimally to dominate lower-skilled opponents.
• Inconsistent Difficulty: Matches can feel unpredictable, as a player's team might be overpowered or underpowered depending on the relative skill levels, which can lead to uneven or frustrating gameplay.

3. SBMM vs. CBMM: The Battle for Matchmaking Supremacy

When comparing SBMM and CBMM, it's important to note that each system serves different purposes. One is focused on fairness and skill balance, while the other is designed to prioritize network performance. Both systems have strengths and weaknesses, and players often have strong preferences for one or the other depending on their playstyle.

SBMM Benefits Over CBMM:

1. More Balanced and Competitive Matches: With SBMM, players can expect matches where everyone is relatively equal in skill, which leads to more fair and engaging gameplay.
2. Long-Term Progression: SBMM fosters an environment where players can track their progress and see improvements in their skill. As players climb the matchmaking ladder, they face stronger opponents, ensuring a continuous challenge and sense of accomplishment.
3. Prevention of Unfair Matchups: SBMM minimizes the chance of experienced players stomping beginners or players from "smurfing," as it takes skill into account when pairing players together.

CBMM Benefits Over SBMM:

1. Smooth and Responsive Gameplay: The biggest advantage of CBMM is its focus on connection quality, which ensures a smooth gaming experience free from lag or server issues. For many players, network stability is a higher priority than balancing skill.
2. More Relaxed Experience: Because CBMM doesn’t focus on skill, casual players who don’t want to compete at the highest level can enjoy the game without the pressure of constantly facing tough opponents.
3. Reduced Toxicity: With CBMM, since the focus isn’t on skill, players are less likely to engage in toxic behavior related to performance or blaming teammates. The experience is more about enjoying the game itself.

4. Which Is Better: SBMM or CBMM?

The question of whether SBMM or CBMM is better depends largely on the type of player you are and what kind of experience you're seeking.

• For Competitive Players: SBMM is likely the better option. If you're looking for a challenge and a fair test of your skill, SBMM will ensure that you're consistently matched with players of similar ability. This system keeps the game competitive, encourages personal improvement, and ensures that every match feels meaningful.

• For Casual Players: CBMM is probably more appealing. If you want to enjoy Call of Duty without the pressure to perform at the highest level, CBMM creates a more relaxed environment. It removes the focus on skill and instead prioritizes network stability, allowing for smoother matches and a more carefree experience.

• For New or Returning Players: Players who are new to Call of Duty or returning after a break may benefit from CBMM. It would allow them to get back into the game at a more comfortable pace without being immediately thrown into competitive, high-pressure environments. However, once they become more familiar with the mechanics, they may prefer the more skill-driven experience offered by SBMM.

5. A Possible Hybrid System?

As both SBMM and CBMM have distinct advantages, one potential solution could be a hybrid matchmaking system that combines the strengths of both. This could work by using SBMM to balance the skill level of the players, while also factoring in connection quality to ensure smooth gameplay.

A hybrid system could work in the following way:

• Players are initially matched based on their skill level, but if two players have vastly different skill levels, the system could adjust to prioritize connection quality without sacrificing fairness entirely.
• Additionally, players could be given an option to toggle between a “competitive” or “casual” mode. In competitive mode, SBMM would take precedence, while in casual mode, CBMM would be the primary focus.
• The system could also allow players to filter match quality, so they can adjust their preferences to prioritize either performance or connection, based on their current needs.

6. Conclusion: Finding the Balance

While SBMM and CBMM each have their benefits and drawbacks, it’s clear that players want both a smooth and enjoyable experience that allows them to improve their skills. For Call of Duty to continue thriving, developers may need to embrace the hybrid approach—balancing both skill and connection quality. Offering players the flexibility to choose their matchmaking preferences could also help cater to a broader range of playstyles and preferences.

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Ultimately, whether you prefer SBMM or CBMM, the most important thing is that the system works for you and provides an enjoyable, competitive, or relaxed environment, depending on your needs. As Call of Duty evolves, we can only hope that developers continue to listen to player feedback and adjust matchmaking systems accordingly, ensuring that the experience remains as engaging and fun as possible for all types of players.