"EA's announcement about skill-based matchmaking in Battlefield 6 has sparked dissatisfaction among some players, with comments like, "I just want to play with my friends" echoing the sentiment of not wanting to be matched against more skilled opponents."
Battlefield 6, the highly anticipated game from DICE, is set to introduce a unique matchmaking system that prioritises both fairness and gameplay quality. EA, during a press briefing at the multiplayer reveal event, confirmed that while skill will factor into matchmaking, the main priorities are creating stable, low-latency matches by considering ping and player location first [1][2][4].
The matchmaking system in Battlefield 6 will take into account player location, ping, server availability, and skill level. However, the influence of skill on matchmaking is not uniform; it changes depending on the mode you play and the number of players forming the lobby. For example, some game modes may weigh skill more heavily than others or relax it for larger player counts [1][2][4].
This approach seeks to optimise both fairness and gameplay quality on large, 64-player maps. By prioritising connection factors, the implementation of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in Battlefield 6, although present, is less stringent compared to smaller-team shooters like Call of Duty. This helps maintain smoother gameplay [2].
While some players welcome SBMM for fairness and challenge, others worry it could reduce the fun and flexibility of matchmaking or introduce frustration when playing across different friend skill levels [1][3]. One player wrote, "Some skills factor. Nah how about no skill factor and just let me hang with the boys." Another added, "Some skill factor? Instant L."
However, some players have faith that the system will work like it did in Battlefield 3 and 4. One player stated, "It worked perfectly in all BFs." The matchmaking intricacies might not be fully understood until the game launches on October 10.
As for the open beta, it begins later this week. Battlefield 6 hopefuls are already asking DICE to rein in its slide as preview streamers fly around the map on ice skates. Some prospective Battlefield 6 players express concern about the SBMM system, with one player stating, "'And some skill factor' lol just keep it then."
Sources:
[1] CharlieIntel - https://charlieintel.com/ [2] GamesRadar+ - https://www.gamesradar.com/ [3] PC Gamer - https://www.pcgamer.com/ [4] IGN - https://www.ign.com/
The matchmaking system in Battlefield 6 will prioritize player location, ping, server availability, and skill level, with the emphasis on skill varying depending on the game mode and number of players. Some players are skeptical about the skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) system, fearing it could negatively impact the enjoyment and flexibility of gameplay. However, others believe the system will function effectively, as it did in previous Battlefield games like Battlefield 3 and 4. The open beta for Battlefield 6 starts later this week.
