Dr Disrespect is the latest streamer to cry about SBMM in video games

There’s a war raging online between video game streamers and mostly casual gamers as it pertains to skill-based matchmaking in multiplayer games. For those unfamiliar, skill-based matchmaking (or SBMM for shore) is a multiplayer system typically used to place players of similar skill levels in matches against each other. In theory, it creates a more balanced and enjoyable multiplayer experience as players are matched with others on a similarly skilled level.

The topic rose to prominence with the recent release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which uses skill-based matchmaking in its multiplayer. Most first-person shooters and competitive multiplayer games utilize some form of SBMM.

As one would assume, most casual gamers, admittedly like me, prefer this. Listen, I have two kids, a full-time job and just a few hours a week to play games. I play games as an escape from the stresses of life and to have a bit of fun each evening. Getting stomped by someone who has dedicated their life to competitive multiplayer games isn’t fun. This is where SBMM typically has its usefulness.

Although I’ve definitely joined matches where I’ve been up against people who are clearly better than me, SBMM for the most part is effective in keeping me challenged but not frustrated. T

Pro players, streamers and competitive gamers — who typically play games for hours on end and are usually more skilled than the average gamer — have voiced their displeasure and frustration with the system.

They believe SBMM should only be implemented in ranked or competitive play, while casual or normal playlists should just match everyone together. They argue that SBMM in normal modes forces them to be at the top of their game all the time as they are constantly playing against other tryhards. They defend that it doesn’t allow them to enjoy a relaxing gaming evening, or that it even makes it harder for them to make content.

Prominent streamer Dr Disrespect is the latest to voice his displeasure with skill-based matchmaking.

Yes, you read that correctly. “The most ruthless, athletic competitor in video game history” is complaining about some competition in his multiplayer games.

Look, I get where Dr Disrespect is coming from. He makes content for a living. He wants to give off the impression he’s the best at every competitive multiplayer game. It’s harder to consistently make impressive videos if he’s struggling against equal competition. It’s a plight facing other streamers and entertainers. They want to make videos getting awesome kill shots or achieving really hard feats that the majority of us couldn’t. But they can only do this consistently if they are playing against lesser-skilled opponents.

Most streamers and pros are arguing that SBMM doesn’t allow them to just have fun and play because they are forced to play against tryhards. They can’t troll with fun weapons or play with friends or viewers because they’d get slaughtered by the competition.

It’s definitely a divisive topic but ultimately I think SBMM is the best option. The majority of gamers playing multiplayer are casuals. It’s the publishers’ job to ensure the best gaming experience for the majority of fans — the ones actually spending money on the game.

Think about it, if you’re a newcomer jumping into a casual multiplayer lobby and you get matched by someone like Dr Disrespect and get absolutely demolished, will you want to continue playing that game? That would be a horrible first experience and immediately turn me off from the game. I want to feel like I have a chance to win against the competition and SBMM does exactly that.