How Battlefield 6's Rumored SBMM Differs from the Competition
Skill-based matchmaking is an interesting topic in the world of multiplayer games, and Battlefield 6 may be taking an interesting approach to the system. While the information on the SBMM system is unconfirmed, it does come from the reputable leaker Tom Henderson, giving fans a reason to put some stock into the rumor. Assuming that the information is correct, though, the balancing will be nothing like the Call of Duty approach.
This may be the right move on the part of DICE, however, as strict skill-based matchmaking could instantly see Battlefield 6 surrounded in controversy. After all, Call of Duty’s SBMM is still a heated topic, with the system used for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War proving to be wildly divisive with fans. On paper, Battlefield 6’s system is much better, and there is a chance that it can fully satisfy fans. In turn, the topic of skill-based matchmaking might not plague Battlefield 6 like it has with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
According to Tom Henderson’s comments on skill-based matchmaking in Battlefield 6, the game will be basing its balancing on teams as opposed to individual players. Based on an EA patent, the system will simulate a match behind the scenes. If it decides the teams are fair based on their overall K/D ratios it will go ahead with the match. If the system deems the sides to be uneven, however, it will move players around in the waiting room until a fair game is created. While the process sounds complex, it will supposedly only take a few seconds to work out the balancing.
With this system, players will not be given a “bad team” to carry, with this being a common occurrence in other SBMM setups. Instead, they are guaranteed to have a group of players alongside them that is near their skill level. The other team should be made up of a similar quality of player, and while it will be impossible for perfectly fair matches to be created, this system sounds like a solid approach. It also makes sense given the scale of matches in the game, as Battlefield 6’s larger player count makes it impossible to balance for individual players. With two teams of 64 battling it out, all that matters is ensuring each side has a fighting chance.
Henderson also touched on a few other aspects of the system, with one reassuring detail being that the system prioritizes good connection over balanced gameplay. As such, gamers will not need to worry about latency issues just so that a fair match can be had, as lag-free games will be the priority. Henderson also notes that Battlefield’s private servers will return, with gamers able to enter player-owned lobbies that have no skill-based matchmaking at all. This should satisfy those looking for more random and casual games, with opportunities to dominate an enemy team being present in these unbalanced servers.
With Call of Duty 2021 likely to include SBMM, it is only a matter of time before the controversy starts up again. Arguably the most frustrating thing about Call of Duty’s system is its strictness, as recent iterations have ensured that gamers are always in perfectly even matches. With the balancing focusing on specific players as opposed to teams, every match is fine-tuned to the point that everyone is equally matched. As a result, most players find themselves fighting for tough wins and getting consistent 1.0 K/D ratios. As a result, no match is “easy,” with casual public games no longer feeling casual at all. On top of this, the system is designed to keep players hooked, with slightly tougher matches following every game where they do better than average.
This has resulted in many asking for public matches to not have SBMM, with the competitive mode League Play being the place where balancing systems are used. While this certainly makes sense, Activision has not budged on the issue, and it seems unlikely to do so. Aside from players not having the chance to excel or have consistently good performances, the system’s focus on individual players punishes top level gamers. With the best Call of Duty players having nobody to match up with, they are stuck with inferior teammates. This means that they need to carry their team to a win in every game, something that has made public matches less fun for those at a high-level.
With skill-based matchmaking in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War confirmed to have a negative impact on connection, the system has its flaws. Prioritizing balanced matches over everything else, it ensures that low-skill players never get beaten down. At the same time, mid-level and high-level players are stuck having average games, and sometimes they are suffering from extra lag while doing so. With players also able to cheat the system in Call of Duty: Warzone, the community’s dislike for SBMM has only grown more intense as time has gone on.
Fortunately for Battlefield 6, it seems to be a major improvement over SBMM in the Call of Duty series. For starters, the decision to prioritize connection instantly eliminates the chance for the laggy games seen in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. With most players always likely to prefer good connection over fairness, this is a solid change that eliminates one big issue from the Call of Duty system. Battlefield 6 will also be giving fans access to custom servers without skill-based matchmaking, giving fans the best of both worlds. While standard servers will have fairer gameplay, custom servers will not, giving fans an option for how balanced they want their games to be.
The core balancing system should also lead to more enjoyable games. With more diverse teams, players will not be engaging in gunfights against someone that is always on their level. Instead, some fights will see players shooting at a lesser-skilled player, while others see them fighting someone who may be a bit better. This should result in more variety, giving Battlefield fans another reason to be hyped for the game’s release. Based on the description of the system, it should give players the chance to have standout games as opposed to consistently average matches.
While Battlefield 6’s rumored battle royale would likely need a different system, as the one outlined in the leaks seems to be focused on two large teams, it is hard not to be optimistic about the game’s balancing after hearing Henderson’s breakdown. Based on everything that was said about it, it seems as if SBMM going to be an afterthought once players jump into the game. If this is true, this is exactly how a balancing system should work. With gamers not needing to worry if their Battlefield 6 matches are fair, they can instead focus entirely on having fun.
Battlefield 6 is currently in development.
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