More than 90% of Call of Duty players engage less frequently when skills-based matchmaking is absent

A recent study by Activision reveals that more than 90% of Call of Duty users engage less when skills-based matchmaking is downgraded.

In a new white paper, Activision explored the impact of skills-based matchmaking on its user community. This system pairs players of similar abilities in games.

An experiment was conducted in early 2024 within Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, where skills-based matchmaking was reduced for 50% of the participants.

The findings showed that the number of returning players decreased by 90%, and the drop rate increased by 80%.

Although 10% of the top-tier players came back, the overall player base decreased, leading to uneven matches.

"Ultimately, this will result in a worse experience for all players, as there will be fewer and fewer players available to play with," the report stated.

"Additionally, if skill matching were entirely removed, the player base would shrink quickly over a few months, negatively impacting everyone."

According to Activision, using skills-based matchmaking ensures that "80% to 90% of players achieve better end-of-match results, play longer, and drop out of matches less frequently."