EA has confirmed that the highly anticipated Battlefield 6 will incorporate skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) to some extent, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from the gaming community. According to information shared with CharlieIntel during a recent press event, the matchmaking will factor in variables like ping, player location, server availability, along with a certain skill aspect that will vary by game mode.
Players are familiar with the need for geographically close servers and the tendency to switch regions during peak times. However, the introduction of a skill factor is what has sparked debate among gamers. This topic has been particularly contentious within the first-person shooter (FPS) community, with similar discussions emerging around games like Call of Duty and Apex Legends. Some players argue that SBMM diminishes the unpredictability of unranked matches, while others contend that it creates a more balanced environment, especially benefiting newcomers. The frustrations among Call of Duty players regarding SBMM have even led some to approach Activision for clarity about their ranks.
It’s important to note, however, that skill is merely one of the components of the matchmaking system, and its overall impact remains uncertain. Additionally, the introduction of a new “server browser solution” has players intrigued about how these changes will manifest in gameplay.
One commenter emphasized that the parameters for matchmaking in Battlefield have traditionally included various skill levels within the same lobby, asserting that this setup is quite different from how SBMM functions in Call of Duty.
Fans have also shown excitement for the forthcoming battle royale mode, rumored to be set in California and featuring dynamic gameplay elements such as insertion via CH-47 Chinook. Moreover, despite earlier speculations, Battlefield 6 will not have a price tag of $80.
Since its announcement in 2021, expectations for Battlefield 6 have ebbed and flowed, especially after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042. However, snippets from previews suggest that the game is striving to recapture the successful elements of past installments, like the classic class structures of Assault, Support, Engineer, and Recon.
Scheduled for release on October 10 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S, Battlefield 6 is generating a positive buzz among fans who appear more optimistic than they were for its predecessor.