According to new research released by Activision, more than 90% of Call of Duty players play less when skill-based matchmaking is de-prioritized.
In a recently released white paper, the publisher explored how skill-based matchmaking affects its player base. This form of matchmaking focuses on how a player's skills are defined so that they can be compared to similar players during gameplay.
The publisher conducted a test in early 2024 in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in which 50% of players experienced a decline in skill-based matchmaking.
As a result, the rate of returning players decreased for 90% of players, while the rate of quitting increased by 80%.
While the top 10% of players returned, Activision found that significantly fewer players did the same, therefore reducing the number of players and creating unfair matches.
“Ultimately, this will result in a poorer experience for all players as there will be fewer and fewer players available to play with,” the statement said.
“Also, this test has only de-prioritized skills in the matchmaking rules. If it were removed entirely, we would expect the player population to erode rapidly over the course of a few months, with a negative outcome for all of our players.”
By utilizing skill-based matchmaking, Activision stated that “80% to 90% of players experience better end-of-match placement, stay in the game longer, and quit matches less often.”