Battlefield 6 Clarifies How It Will Use SBMM

Developers from Battlefield Studios have clarified just how Battlefield 6 will incorporate Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) into its multiplayer structure. Though in development for years, Battlefield 6 was officially unveiled recently and confirmed for an October 10 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

The long wait for concrete details about Battlefield 6 is over, with EA officially releasing the Battlefield 6 reveal and multiplayer trailers widely. Many of the planned changes to Battlefield 6 from previous entries in the series were already hinted at by rumors and leaks, or even revealed in community updates for the Battlefield Labs playtest program, but now players will get a chance to try the game out for themselves, thanks to the upcoming Battlefield 6 beta test. There they’ll be able to see just what EA and Battlefield Studios have been working on, and whether Battlefield 6 can capture the magic of beloved series entries like Battlefield 3 and 4.

One potential avenue of concern for dedicated shooter fans, though, is the role that Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) will play in Battlefield 6, a concern that was addressed by developers during the multiplayer reveal event attended by press and influencers. According to a report published by MP1st, Battlefield Studios developers said that SBMM will be present in Battlefield 6, but will not be the only factor that determines how the game’s matchmaking algorithm brings players together. While often considered an essential tool by the developers of multiplayer titles, the use of SBMM in games like Call of Duty is a major point of debate among players, some of whom complain that SBMM results in overly competitive lobbies that feel too stressful to play in.

Battlefield 6 SBMM Will Not Be the Only Factor in Matchmaking, According to Devs

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According to the MP1st report, Battlefield Studios developers addressed concerns about SBMM in Battlefield 6 by saying that while the game’s matchmaking will take player skill into account when putting together a match, it won’t be the only factor. They said that factors like ping (latency), a player’s location, and the fullness of the server will also be considered by the matchmaking system. They also said that the priority the system puts on various factors will change based on the Battlefield 6 mode being played. For example, a large-scale mode like Conquest might prioritize keeping the server full of players over their skill differences, while a more competitive mode like Team Deathmatch might factor skill in more readily.

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In addition, Battlefield 6 will also feature alternatives to matchmaking, such as the Battlefield Portal, which will allow players to browse through and select experiences based on their preference. Whether these factors will outweigh players’ concerns over the use of SBMM in Battlefield 6 matchmaking is something that only experience and time can tell. Perhaps more will emerge as players get their hands on the beta tests in the near future.