Skill Based Matchmaking is a system used by multiplayer games in order to do one of two things: create a more competitive/balanced environment, or protect the less skilled (or perhaps new) players from seasoned players to keep them playing. 

The main issue does not lie in the sole existence of SBMM, but in the way it is implemented. Call of Duty players, for example, have always understood that SBMM was a part of the game, but connection was prioritized in matchmaking so it posed no real issue. It worked as it should, giving some leeway to newer players and giving everyone else a fun, dynamic experience.

When Modern Warfare was released in 2019, most players immediately noticed a stark increase in the intensity of how SBMM was being implemented. Fast forward to Black Ops: Cold War being released in 2020. Skill Based Matchmaking has in no way improved, but has gotten far worse. The game has issues of its own, but nobody expects a perfect release from a franchise giving us new games on a yearly cycle.

Most players would be willing to overlook the individual problems, bugs, etc. in Cold War if the matchmaking system didn’t make the game so difficult to enjoy overall. Just because somebody has an above average skill level in a video game does not mean that individual should be constantly subjected to an extremely competitive, and frankly toxic, environment, especially when said individual uses this game to unwind/destress on a regular basis. We don’t even earn anything for being in more difficult brackets within the matchmaking.

Not only does SBMM make it difficult to enjoy something that should have a variety of competitive and relaxed experiences, but it separates people from each other when that may be one of the few ways they are able to connect. For instance, I live on the other side of the country from my father. Call of Duty has been one of our favorite things to do together since I was a kid. At this point I cannot even consider inviting him to play with me because he is unable to enjoy himself when every game with me would essentially be treated like a professional scrimmage.

Additionally, a majority of Call of Duty players primarily spend their time online working towards earning things such as weapon camos, calling cards, operator skins, etc. The competition from game to game is so fierce that trying to use less effective weapons for challenges is a nearly impossible task. Not only does this make the typical Call of Duty “grind” far less enjoyable along the way, but it makes the final reward seem like it wasn’t worth all of the time and effort put into it, almost trivial.

All we want is to bring back how Call of Duty has always been traditionally. Connection should be the priority in matchmaking, give us back the variety we used to enjoy when playing literally any Call of Duty title. When you see all these players on social media using hashtags like #boycottthebattlepass, #adressSBMM and #stoplyingtothekids, that’s not us condemning Activision or saying we hate you now, the people are trying to get your attention. We love Call of Duty, we have for over a decade. We want the fun, dynamic arcade-style FPS we grew up with, not a game that we dread the thought of even starting up.