In this blog, we will explore the role of SBMM within Call of Duty esports, considering its potential benefits, challenges, and how it intersects with the development of the competitive scene. We will also look at how SBMM could influence the future of professional Call of Duty competitions.
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The Basics of SBMM: A Quick Recap
Before diving into its esports implications, let’s quickly recap what SBMM is designed to do in the regular Call of Duty multiplayer experience. SBMM is a system that matches players with opponents of similar skill levels based on metrics like K/D ratio, accuracy, and overall performance in past games. The goal is to create a more balanced and competitive environment, ensuring that players are constantly tested at their skill level and are more likely to encounter fair matches.
While this works well for the average player, the needs of professional Call of Duty players and esports organizations are much more complex. SBMM in its current form isn’t something typically implemented in esports competitions, where skill disparities are vast and the focus is on creating a level playing field through a series of structured tournaments and leagues.
SBMM in Professional Call of Duty: A Double-Edged Sword
In the world of professional esports, the competition is based on players’ abilities to perform consistently at the highest level, often under extreme pressure. In this context, SBMM would seem counterproductive for several reasons:
Lack of Variation and Surprise: Esports thrives on unpredictability. The most exciting moments in competitive Call of Duty often come from upsets, surprise victories, and moments when lower-ranked players or teams rise to the occasion. SBMM, on the other hand, favors predictability by matching players against those with similar skill levels. While this provides balance, it can make matches more scripted and less exciting.
Higher Skill Floors in Esports: The skill level in Call of Duty esports is far beyond that of regular players, meaning that most players are already highly skilled. In competitive tournaments, the differences in performance between teams are often marginal, and matchups tend to be determined by strategy, team chemistry, map knowledge, and mental fortitude, rather than raw mechanics or individual performance. The existence of SBMM would do little to create a truly competitive environment, as all players would likely be near the same skill threshold.
Consistency Over Time: In esports, consistency is key. Top players are not just skilled but can replicate high-level performance in every match, no matter the circumstances. SBMM, while effective at matching players based on their current skill levels, doesn't account for long-term consistency or the mental endurance required in the high-stakes atmosphere of professional competitions. Instead, esports require teams to focus on adapting to different strategies, overcoming mental fatigue, and countering strategies on the fly.
The Current State of Competitive Matchmaking in Call of Duty Esports
In Call of Duty esports, competitive matches are typically structured around tournament formats with set brackets and divisions, meaning that SBMM does not play a role in the way matches are arranged. Players and teams qualify for professional leagues based on their performance in pre-determined qualifiers, such as the Call of Duty League (CDL) or other local and international tournaments.
The emphasis in professional esports isn’t on matchmaking for balance but on refining team strategies, ensuring players understand their roles, and creating synergy between individual performances. SBMM, as a tool for casual matchmaking, becomes irrelevant because the goal is to test the best teams against one another, regardless of their relative skill levels.
Why SBMM Doesn’t Fit in the Esports Ecosystem
Pro-Level Competition Isn’t About Equal Skill: In the professional realm, players are not concerned with matching up against opponents with similar skill; the aim is to compete against the best in the world. The Call of Duty esports scene thrives on showcasing the top players' skills in high-pressure scenarios, where the game’s mechanics and individual brilliance shine through.
Practice and Teamwork: Professional players aren’t just looking for balanced 1v1 encounters. They practice as teams and develop strategies for how to work together in high-stakes matches. SBMM, which often focuses on individual skill metrics, doesn’t consider the teamwork aspect that is so essential in esports. Professional Call of Duty requires team coordination, which is often more important than individual performance.
Mentality and Strategy: Competitive players in the Call of Duty esports scene often train for specific types of engagements—tactical maps, specific strategies, and counterplay against teams they may face in the tournament brackets. SBMM doesn’t take into account these strategic elements and would, therefore, undermine the preparation of players and teams who need to fine-tune their gameplay over long periods.
The Potential Benefits of SBMM for Esports Development
While SBMM doesn’t currently play a role in professional Call of Duty esports, it could have potential uses in developing the competitive scene, particularly at lower levels, such as grassroots tournaments, amateur leagues, and team formation stages. Here’s how SBMM could help:
1. Skill Development for Amateur Players
SBMM could be used to help amateur players who aspire to go pro by providing them with a series of balanced matches against opponents at a similar skill level. As they improve, SBMM could incrementally match them with more skilled players, helping them refine their mechanics and strategies in a way that builds confidence and skill.
For example, amateur tournaments could integrate SBMM to ensure that players develop their skills against opponents who are not drastically better or worse. This type of progression system would help develop the next generation of pro players by offering them balanced, competitive environments without overwhelming them.
2. Lower-Level Leagues and Tournaments
In addition to its potential role in amateur play, SBMM could help maintain the integrity of lower-tier leagues or non-professional competitions. Regional qualifiers, local tournaments, and semi-pro leagues could benefit from SBMM’s ability to ensure that players of similar abilities face off in a fair competition. It would provide a less punishing environment for players who are developing their skills and could lead to more consistent competition at the lower tiers of Call of Duty esports.
3. Bridging the Gap Between Casual and Pro Players
SBMM could also serve as a bridge between casual players and professional players in terms of the competitive experience. A dedicated “pro-am” system, where semi-professional players can challenge more seasoned players with similar skill levels, could help them get used to the intensity of professional matches before they enter full-fledged tournaments. This might offer a clearer progression route for aspiring esports stars, which currently isn’t as defined.
The Future of SBMM in Call of Duty Esports: A Hybrid Model?
As the Call of Duty esports ecosystem continues to expand, there could be room for hybrid matchmaking systems to exist alongside traditional tournament formats. This could involve the introduction of specific, SBMM-based training modes or tournaments designed for aspiring professional players. For example:
SBMM-Integrated Training Tournaments: These could be smaller-scale events where budding pros compete against one another to develop their skills and compete for a spot in higher-level competitions. SBMM would ensure that these events are as fair and competitive as possible while providing valuable experience in preparation for the larger pro tournaments.
Tiered Matchmaking in Professional Play: While SBMM wouldn’t be used to structure professional tournaments, its technology could be used in tiered matchmaking systems in early-stage tournaments, where the top players are gradually filtered into higher levels of competition. This would ensure that lower-tier teams don’t face off against seasoned professionals too early in their journey.
Conclusion
SBMM in Call of Duty serves a crucial role in casual matchmaking by creating balanced and competitive environments for everyday players. However, in the context of professional esports, SBMM has limited relevance. Esports thrives on skill disparities, unpredictability, and the overall performance of entire teams. The complexity of competitive play demands a different approach, focusing on strategies, team chemistry, and individual performance under pressure.
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While SBMM will likely remain an important tool for matchmaking in casual modes, the future of professional Call of Duty esports will continue to prioritize structure, skill development, and strategy. That said, SBMM’s integration into amateur competitions or as a training tool for aspiring pro players could be a promising addition to the Call of Duty esports ecosystem. By offering different systems for different stages of a player’s competitive journey, Call of Duty could ensure a more fluid transition from casual to professional play, helping foster the next generation of esports stars.
