Summary
Given the impactskill-based matchmakinghas maintained over severalCall of Dutytitles over recent years, it is no surprise to see that fans are still actively voicing their frustrations regarding its presence in Sledgehammer’sModern Warfare 3(2023). While many aspects within gameplay have been praised by the large majority ofCall of Dutyfans, with features such asslide canceling, silent footsteps as permanent perks, and a longer TTKmaking their return, worries remain as to how SBMM may spoil the multiplayer experience.
With its release on the horizon, it is highly unlikely for SBMM to be completely omitted fromModern Warfare 3(2023), but there are definitely methods in which it can be altered to provide a more casual and less competitive experience for players in each lobby.
5Decreased Time In Activation
For the large part of it all, the issues with SBMM stem from how quickly it comes into play after each match. If players end matches with a higher kill count than usual, it is either the next game or the one after the next that will be ramped up in difficulty, matching players with others of incredibly high skill. This usually results in players' frustration, quitting the lobby or the game entirely, as it spoils the wish for casual play.
Since it is unlikely for SBMM to disappear as aforementioned, if developers can decrease how quickly SBMM comes into effect based on Infinity Ward’sModern Warfare 2(2022)and theModern Warfare 3(2023) beta, it will help to allow players to enjoy morelobbies without instant punishment for good performance.
4Optional In Casual
Considering how quickly SBMM comes into play, many players feel that they have no choice but to turn to an alternative game to play. This is what turned many fans' attentiontoward Ubisoft’sXDefiant, as developers promise an experience that comes without any form of SBMM, providing a fair and casual experience. InCall of Dutytitles, there is no option or choice to toggle the feature on or off, forcing all players to play competitively.
One of the best possible solutions to this issue is for developers to include an option that allows players to put themselves into competitive games or not. It would benefit the maintenance of a high player count and satisfy players across the board who have wished forCall of Dutyto return to its classic formula.
3Moved To Ranked Play
Since the entire point of Ranked Play inCall of Dutyis within its name, many fans have been shocked and surprised to see that SBMM is still present within the casual multiplayer experience. It is felt that it defeats the entire purpose ofRanked Play’s addition, as both it and the standard multiplayer experience contain intense and highly competitive players.
As Ranked Play is said to arrive duringModern Warfare 3’s first season, the hope of SBMM being placed within its suitable mode remains among fans, which is seen as the only current factor that may hold the title back from reaching its anticipated high level of quality.
2Limiting SBMM To One Or Two Games
As well as the wish for its quick activation to be eliminated, this issue also lies with how long SBMM lasts for each player. After one or two games with a high kill count resulting in SBMM’s activation, players are then met with a barrage of matches that include highly skilled opponents that feel as though they last for much longer than they should.
If SBMM continues to play a pivotal part in theCall of Dutyexperience inModern Warfare 3(2023) and for years to come, then it would heavily benefit all if its presence only lasts for one or two matches rather than lasting for several, ultimately leading to decreased enjoyment.
1Rewards Or Faster Progression
In the likelihood of little to no adjustment to SBMM inModern Warfare 3(2023), the best implementation developers can make is to include greater rewards in line with the game’s battle passes. Whether this includes attaining more battle pass tokens for maintaining a high kill count in skill-based, matchmade lobbies, oroffering skins or camos for operatorsand weapons for good performance, it will give players more incentive to be competitive.
This is likely to satisfy players who have been frustrated with the feature for many years, and while it does not give them exactly what they want in the aspect of its complete omission from the franchise, it would reward them for putting up with the intensity. Currently, for casual players, there is no incentive whatsoever to continue with SBMM, as there is no benefit to its presence outside Ranked Play, so changing this and adding a worthwhile aspect to the feature may result in changing fans' opinions on the matter.
