A new study shows that Obligations Players are less likely to play if there is no skill-based matchmaking.
The study, which was published online and spotted by GamesIndustry.biz, details an experiment conducted by the publisher earlier this year without the knowledge of Modern Warfare 3 players and we tested the North American player base.
According to the document, Activision ran a “Deprioritized Skill Test” in-game for 50% of its player base, in which it loosened skill restrictions on matchmaking, while the remaining half received normal matchmaking.
Activision explained that it found that players affected by the Deprioritise skill test were less likely to continue playing. The results show that the drop rate decreased for 90% of players, while the rate of players who quit increased to 80%.
Additionally, the top 10% of skilled players reportedly returned, but comparatively fewer players did the same. The publisher explained that over time, this, like interest, will have a “significant impact” on the player population.
“This is a concern for all players, including the top 10%, as if this pattern is allowed to continue, players will abandon the game in greater numbers,” he explained. “Over time, a top 10% player will become a top 20% player, and eventually a top 30% player, until only the best players are still playing.”
He went on to say that it will become increasingly likely that the original top players will not return to the game.
“Ultimately, this will result in a worse experience for all players as fewer and fewer players will be available to play,” Activision added.
“Furthermore, this test only de-emphasized skill in the matchmaking rules. If it were removed entirely, we would expect to see the player population rapidly erode over the span of a few months, resulting in a negative outcome for all of our players.”
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 was recently added to Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate after weeks of rumors. It will also join it Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 as a day one release for Game Pass when it launches on October 25.
