I was once a unworthy opponent in popular titles such as Call of Duty, Battlefield, halo, etc. I was not able to compete with highly skilled and a experienced players, which is why i learned to practice and teach myself new and better ways on improving myself. Years have gone by and i have definitely showed improvement overtime, however things have changed in the gaming industry, some good and some bad. One thing that is equally as bad as pay-to-win micro transactions and randomized/gambled loot boxes is Skill-Based Matchmaking(SBMM). Now put this into persecution. Say for instance you’ve had a long day at work, and you’re stressed out and you want to relax and play your favorite online multiplayer fps/ third-person shooter title. You have a decent amount of skill and you know what you’re doing, however as you’re improving, the game is matching you with similarly skilled players in casual public matchmaking, while there isn’t even a ranked playlist. If i wanted to compete against people of my own level of skill and intelligence, i would go to a ranked mode. A casual playlist is plainly based on connection, maybe some team balancing but thats as far as it goes. The late Kobe Bryant didn’t just play basketball for fun, he played for a living and to compete. Yes he played against people of his own skill, and yes he had a choice of playing the game casually, but us gamers shouldn’t be forced to play against people against our skill because not everyone wants to compete when they come home. Some people, including myself want to relax and have fun when they get home from a stressful day at work or school etc. companies like Activision and Electronic Arts have implemented SBMM in games such as the following

-Call of Duty: Modern Warfare(2019)

-Apex: Legends

-Rainbow Six: Siege

-Fortnite

these are just a few to list, but an example of another game that was pretty successful in terms of player-base was Destiny 2 by Bungie. SBMM was plagued in the popular pvp modes of Crucible, once it was removed data for player-base increased drastically since its removal. Gamers have their answer and i want the higher up employees and these big corporations to realize we have a voice and we want change. As soon as possible!