Modern Warfare 3 is nearing its full release and its multiplayer will allow players to immerse themselves in intense matches against real opponents. So, if you’re wondering whether MW3 has skill-based matchmaking, like its predecessor, here’s all you need to know.
Modern Warfare 3 introduces several changes to the Call of Duty franchise when compared to its predecessor, MW2. The latest title comes with fan-favorite features and movement mechanics, along with all the maps from the 2009 MW2.
While these changes are exciting, Modern Warfare 3 also retains several core features that define the CoD series. However, many in the community are curious about the latest title coming with a skill-based matchmaking system.
With that said, here’s all you need to know about SBMM and how it affects your Modern Warfare 3 matches.
Does Modern Warfare 3 have SBMM?
There’s a general understanding that Modern Warfare 3 will have SBMM in its multiplayer, despite the developers and Activision never addressing it.
Since the latest CoD games, the community has speculated about the existence of SBMM within the franchise. Finally, in a 2021 interview, a former developer confirmed its presence.
This suggests that SBMM has likely been a part of recent releases, including Modern Warfare 2, Warzone, and the upcoming Modern Warfare 3.
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Skill Based Matchmaking has been in every Call of Duty game, but obviously tuned up extremely in MW 2019.
SBMM will never be removed from Call of Duty – it clearly works for their metrics, no matter how much anyone complains. Activision refuses to talk about it – even in…
— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) October 10, 2023
Considering that SBMM is a highly debated and discussed topic within the gaming community, it’s highly improbable that this feature will be eliminated without a formal announcement from Activision.
What is SBMM in Modern Warfare 3?
Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) is a system designed to create game matches within Modern Warfare 3 where players of similar abilities are grouped together in the same lobbies. This is accomplished by analyzing data like the K/D ratio and score per minute to pair users with opponents of comparable skill levels.
The primary goal is to ensure that game lobbies are as evenly matched as possible, reducing the odds of a casual player facing an overwhelmingly skilled opponent and, therefore, theoretically improving the experience for all players.
ActivisionModern Warfare 3 will be released on November 10 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Despite its theoretical advantages, SBMM has caused significant controversy, particularly within the streaming and competitive communities, arguing that the system penalizes skilled players by placing them in more challenging lobbies.
Regardless of where you stand on SBMM, it’s expected this feature will continue to be featured from Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer onwards, making its removal unlikely in the near future.