Skill Based Matchmaking (SBMM) in games has been the center of debates for a long time now. As for Apex Legends, the developers have been trying to make things better. A fan called out one of the developers on Twitter, stating that players do not like the SBMM in the game. Emre, in return, had a not so satisfying reply.
@m_ray Just so you're aware, we don't like sbmm in the game. It's pointless when there's a ranked mode. If people won't play ranked, maybe give them more of an incentive to + make it more of a ranked mode instead of a "grind" mode.
— The SBMM guy (@thesbmmguy) July 9, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The free-to-play first-person Battle Royale by Respawn Entertainment entered into the world of gaming as EA’s answer to games like Fortnite and PUBG.
Apex Legends – developer comments on SBMM
A fan with the Twitter handle the SBMM guy, which is quite ironic, was of the opinion that if people won’t play ranked, they should be receiving some sort of incentive. He further stated that he prefers a ‘ranked’ mode instead of a ‘grind’ mode. The user further said that the developers are doing all of them injustice with the present SBMM.
Emre’s reply would have confused many but holds some bitter truth as well. The developer stated that it is not easy to give a fair match in a Battle Royale. He also mentioned how they are trying to increase ‘justice’ within the game.
hey sbmm guy, i appreciate the feedback (really!)
The intention of a matchmaker is to give you *better* (fairer) match, and it turns out that's not easy in a BR.
So for what it's worth, we're trying to INCREASE justice – precisely the opposite of the message you sent me 🌝
— Emre (@m_ray) July 10, 2020
The fan further mentions how players who have made their presence in Apex Legends are less likely to engage further because they lack fun.
The SBMM guy had much more to say. He carried the talk further saying the game should focus more on helping out new players and urged to take the words and feedbacks of thousands into account.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Emre did not reply any further. However, only last month, Apex Legends Director Chad Grenier stated that it is hard to accommodate both beginners and experienced players in one space.
Chad Grenier’s statement
In that interview with Gamespot, Grenier also mentioned how they are listening to the community and are constantly making changes to the game.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“We’ll continue to tweak, iterate, listen. We’re always tweaking things in the back in the matchmaking system. If people notice things are getting worse or better, speak up, because we’re listening and we’d love to make it right for everybody if that’s even possible”, said Grenier.
Apex Legends is certainly trying to make things better. In the long run, they’d further look to improve player experience and hopefully one day the SBMM will be tweaked in a way that appeals to everyone.
