MW3 players worried SBMM will “ruin” multiplayer

Despite the positive reception of the Modern Warfare 3 beta, allowing fans to try the game out ahead of its full release on November 10, players are worried SBMM will “ruin” the game’s multiplayer overshadowing its well-received changes.

The Modern Warfare 3 beta has generated significant hype for the upcoming installment of the franchise, Modern Warfare 3. Fans have had the chance to explore some of the game’s offerings, from Killstreaks and Equipment to the new Perk system and weapons featured in MW3.

However, players have observed that, among the various changes, the one most prominently criticized is skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), which has been a source of strong conflict in recent titles.

CoD fans frustrated with SBMM in MW3 beta

Below a CharlieIntel X post, players have shared their frustration over the skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in the MW3 beta. Several community members shared their concerns about how the system could ruin the experience if no changes are made ahead of the game’s full release.

“I miss the old COD lobbies they used to be fun. You had great matches and you had some tough ones now it’s just a complete sweatshop,” shared one player comparing the SBMM system to previous titles.

Skill Based Matchmaking is something that is, unfortunately, needed in lobbies for casual players, but at the same time, has been tuned up way too much after MW 2019 in Call of Duty. It is a bit excessive how quickly it throws you into try-hard lobbies in the last few years.

— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) October 16, 2023

Other complaints arise from a lack of transparency regarding how the system works. While it’s common knowledge that SBMM is in place, Activision have never provided an explanation of its actual impact on matches. “I wish they would AT LEAST talk about it… After so many years of speculation, they’ve never said a single word,” added another player.

While some advocate for entirely eliminating the system within the game, others are open to alterations that would enable them to continue enjoying the game. As one player expressed, “It just needs to be tuned down a little bit. There is no reason my fingers should be hurting after an hour of playing.”

All in all, due to how it worked in the latest games and MW2’s success in sales, it’s unlikely the matchmaking system will receive notable transformations.

For more on Modern Warfare 3, be sure to check out why players are confused by the “wacky” multiplayer performance compared to the campaign or the game’s new CSGO-based feature that counters Flash Grenades.