# The Impact of Skill-Based Matchmaking in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
## The Lure of Multiplayer
Multiplayer gameplay stands as the central attraction for the vast majority of Call of Duty enthusiasts. Specifically, the online experience offered by Modern Warfare 3 delivers the anticipated gameplay dynamics. Gamers find solace in the familiar weaponry and take joy in revisiting classic maps from the era of Modern Warfare 2. However, a significant issue has been consistently brought to light by the player community.
## A Recurring Challenge Across the Franchise
The problem isn’t unique to Modern Warfare 3; it has been an ongoing point of contention throughout the various Call of Duty titles and extended into the realm of Warzone. Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) has attracted considerable attention and criticism in the most recent multiplayer versions of the franchise. Despite upgrades, MW2 faced similar concerns, and the sequel seems to be repeating history.
## The Practical Downfalls of SBMM
On paper, the concept of SBMM appears to be an equitable means of pairing players. The idea is to align gamers with opponents of equivalent skill level using an algorithm that considers various performance metrics, such as kill-death-assist ratios and scores. This system is theoretically sound but has unintended consequences in practice.
## The Casual Play Conundrum
What should have been a benign feature of casual matchmaking morphs into a source of frustration. For instance, if a player excels in a string of matches, perhaps due to a rare stroke of genius or sheer luck, the ensuing sessions could become punishing. The SBMM algorithm might then match them with far more proficient adversaries, transforming previous triumphs into overwhelming defeats. This shift eradicates the essence of a “casual game,” swapping out novices with formidable opponents harking to the likes of cinematic John Wick—suddenly, there are no middle grounds.
## The Case for and Against SBMM
The argument for SBMM remains firmly grounded in competitive match queues, where tracking skill progression is essential to fair gameplay. Yet, its presence in quick play mode is debatable at best. As of now, Sledgehammer Games, who manages this aspect of Modern Warfare 3, shows no indication of altering the established SBMM system.
If you’re finding yourself on a rollercoaster of performance highs and lows, possibly excelling in certain maps while faltering in others, the message is clear: don’t be disheartened. This fluctuation is an attribute of the game’s design rather than a reflection of your abilities. In the grand schemes of Call of Duty, it isn’t about you—it’s about the mechanics of SBMM at play.
## An Ongoing Debate
As the conversation around SBMM persists, players continue to share their experiences and the hope that developers will find a balance that preserves the casual fun of quick matches without sacrificing competitive integrity. Until then, the Call of Duty community remains vocal about the impact of skill-based matchmaking, striving for a resolution that satisfies newcomers and veterans alike.