"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4" is set to test two different matchmaking systems during its upcoming beta. The trial could have a major impact on how multiplayer works when the game launches.
In ranked games, it's crucial who you're playing with. Players have been whining for years about unfair matchmaking. Some are paired with weak players even though they are high-ranked already. Others think that facing high-level gamers leaves no room for beginners.
In "Call of Duty," that will change eventually for each match. A poorly balanced lobby can quickly become frustrating. A well-matched game, however, can keep players engaged from start to finish.
'Modern Warfare 4' Beta Matchmaking Plans
The "Modern Warfare 4" beta will feature both matchmaking approaches currently being considered by the "Call of Duty" team.
One is the newer matchmaking system. The other is the open matchmaking system introduced last year.
Open matchmaking was designed to create more unpredictable lobbies. Instead of placing players into tightly controlled skill brackets, it allows for a wider mix of opponents.
The system was partly introduced after ongoing complaints about aggressive skill-based matchmaking. Some players felt that performing well consistently led to increasingly difficult matches.
That made open matchmaking an important change for players who wanted more variety in their multiplayer sessions.
New Matchmaking System Gets Mixed Response
The newer system arrived in "Black Ops 7" Season 5. It takes inspiration from the matchmaking approach used during the first two "Black Ops" games.
Call of Duty says the system has several goals. These include smarter team balancing, greater match variety, keeping lobbies populated, and creating better experiences for parties with players of different skill levels.
However, the response from the community has been divided.
Some players prefer the freedom of open matchmaking. Others believe the newer system could provide more consistent and enjoyable matches.
The "Modern Warfare 4" beta should give the developers a much larger set of player data to examine.
Player Behavior May Decide 'Modern Warfare 4' Matchmaking
Player behavior could be one of the most important factors in the final decision.
According to data shared by Call of Duty, the open matchmaking system was associated with more players leaving matches early. Players also recorded fewer kills and gave lower feedback scores about their overall enjoyment.
The newer system reportedly produced different results, per IGN.
Some of the game's strongest players were matched against tougher opponents. Yet those players were less likely to quit during matches.
That could be significant for the developers. Matchmaking is not only about creating competitive games. It also needs to keep players in those games.
'Modern Warfare 4' Beta Could Shape the Final System
Infinity Ward will use the beta to collect additional information before deciding which matchmaking approach will be used in the full game.
At this point, there is no confirmed matchmaking system for Modern Warfare 4's October launch.
The beta could also provide different results because "Modern Warfare 4" may attract a larger player base than Black Ops 7 currently has. A bigger population could create more matchmaking possibilities and provide the studio with a wider range of data.
Elsewhere, "Warzone" is removing grappling hooks from some modes.
