There will be significant changes to the multiplayer systems ofBattlefield 6compared to previous games, and the reactions are already largely negative. Theinitial reception to the revealand early gameplay ofBattlefield 6was cautiously positive, with a lot of fans hopeful that the new entry would course-correct the once-beloved large-scale multiplayer shooter. As more information is revealed, however, it seems there is still reason to worry.
Reported byCharlieIntelon X, it was confirmed during a press briefing thatBattlefield 6will feature skill-based matchmaking and no server browser. Publisher Electronic Arts reportedly stated that the matchmaking will focus on ping, player location, server availability, and some skill factors. It also appears that every game mode will have different criteria for matchmaking.
Battlefield 6 Will Reportedly Have Skill-Based Matchmaking
One Of The Most Polarizing Multiplayer Features
Skill-based matchmaking has been one of the most controversial multiplayer elements for decades. The idea behind the systemis to match players of similar skill together, so veterans have a nice challenge against other strong players, while new players can get their feet wet with other new players. A nice idea on paper, but there are quite a few holes in the system that some fans have issues with.
For example, the vagueness of"some skill factors.“That doesn’t explain what “skills” are being measured. There’s also concern that it will incentivize cheaters to use assists to climb ranks and become “skilled.” WhileBF6’s system seems to be focused on balancing teams after matchmaking has occurred,skill-based matchmaking can often pigeonhole players into having limited groupsto play with.
What Fans Are Saying About BF6’s Matchmaking Changes
A Mixed Response At Best
PreviousBattlefieldgames have used some multiplayer balancing systems, but not skill-based matchmaking in the general sense.Battlefield 6previewshave been mostly positive, but with this news, it seemssome fans are not willing to give it a try.@ku1ebraon X, for example, doesn’t wish to purchase the game now, writing:“Some skill factor? Just cancelled my pre order !!”
arzn, also on X, echoed that sentiment, writing:“Just because of this I will not be buying BF6 and only buy BO7, this obviously ruins the games.“TheCall of Duty: Black Ops 7release dateis rumored for late October or November, right around the same time asBattlefield 6on October 10.
Other uses are fine with this system, noting the difficulty of matching 64 total players together solely based on skill, while others are clarifying that this system, as it’s been described,is similar to pastBFgames.Zachary Davidsonclarified, writing:“I was a Labs tester. The skill charlie speaks of is like Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. The matchmaking will search for a balance of high and low level players to fill a server.”
Still, even the slightest bit of controversy aboutBattlefield 6could scare fans away, as the franchise has not had a great track record in recent years. Luckily, there is an upcomingBattlefield 6open beta, so hopefully, fans will get to experience the game and decide for themselves if its multiplayer mechanics are up to their standards.
