Updated
Updated · IGN · Aug 19
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Tests 2 Matchmaking Systems as Open Play Drove 32.7% Higher Quit Rates
Updated
Updated · IGN · Aug 19

Modern Warfare 4 Beta Tests 2 Matchmaking Systems as Open Play Drove 32.7% Higher Quit Rates

3 articles · Updated · IGN · Aug 19

Summary

  • Modern Warfare 4’s beta this weekend will run both the newer Black Ops 7 Season 5 matchmaking model and last year’s open matchmaking, with Infinity Ward using the test to decide what ships in October.
  • Call of Duty said the move follows weaker results under open matchmaking: for 80% of Black Ops 7 players through Season 4, open play produced 32.7% higher quit rates, 14.4% fewer kills per minute, 5.3% lower win rates and 59.2% more “Not Fun” survey ratings.
  • The newer system remains divisive because it gives top players tougher lobbies, but the publisher said players are quitting less and mixed-skill parties get better balancing and fuller matches.
  • No final matchmaking format has been locked in for launch, and Activision expects MW4’s larger, fresher beta audience could shift the data again.

Insights

Will the massive Modern Warfare 4 beta finally kill off the dream of truly random multiplayer lobbies?
Why did nearly 60 percent of players hate the very matchmaking system they begged developers to implement?