Scump's Critique of Skill-Based Matchmaking: The Divisive Impact of SBMM in Call of Duty

Recently, Scump, a renowned Call of Duty professional player, expressed his strong dissatisfaction with skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), stating that it is currently worse than ever before. This has become a major point of contention within the gaming community, causing a divide among players. Some even believe that SBMM has transformed into something entirely different called Engagement Optimized Matchmaking (EOMM).

Scump's Perspective

Scump's opinion carries significant weight due to his iconic status in the Call of Duty scene. With a remarkable career spanning over a decade, he retired from professional play in 2023 and transitioned into content creation. Despite this, his expertise as a highly skilled player remains unquestionable.

During a recent episode of The OpTic Podcast, Scump passionately criticized SBMM, describing it as excessively challenging this year. He expressed frustration at being matched against opponents using powerful weapons while he was attempting to complete camo challenges with a less effective loadout. This sentiment resonates with many players who feel that SBMM has been cranked up to an extreme level in Modern Warfare 3.

The Impact of SBMM

The prevailing consensus is that Sledgehammer Games, the developer of Modern Warfare 3, has implemented SBMM to such an extent that it has negatively affected the overall enjoyment of the game. Players often find themselves in lobbies where they are consistently outmatched, making it difficult to have a satisfying gaming experience. This constant adjustment and lack of space for casual players have become significant concerns within the Call of Duty community. SBMM seems to prioritize maintaining a 1.0 kill-death ratio for as many players as possible, which further exacerbates the issue.

Controversial Tactics

To counter the strict nature of SBMM, some Call of Duty streamers allegedly resort to tactics like reverse boosting and using virtual private networks (VPNs). These methods aim to manipulate the matchmaking system and provide a more favorable gaming experience. While controversial, these tactics highlight the frustration and dissatisfaction caused by SBMM.

Unlikely to Change

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that SBMM will undergo significant changes in the future. It has become deeply ingrained in the Call of Duty ecosystem, evolving over time to become more stringent. As conspiracy theories surrounding SBMM continue to emerge, the concept of EOMM, or engagement optimized matchmaking, has gained attention. EOMM supposedly encompasses various factors, including aim assist strength, hit registration, movement speed, and even teammate selection. Despite the ongoing debate, Sledgehammer Games remains tight-lipped about the inner workings of SBMM, leaving players in the dark.

In conclusion, Scump's critique of skill-based matchmaking sheds light on the frustrations experienced by many Call of Duty players. The excessive difficulty and lack of consideration for casual players have created a divisive environment within the community. While the future of SBMM remains uncertain, it is clear that a more transparent and balanced matchmaking system is needed to ensure a fair and enjoyable gaming experience for all players.