Study Reveals Decline in Player Engagement Without Skill-Based Matchmaking in Modern Warfare 3

A recent Activision study reveals that when skill-based matchmaking is absent, players of Modern Warfare 3 are less inclined to engage with the game. The research unveils interesting findings about player behavior and game engagement.

The study, published online and observed by GamesIndustry.biz, outlines an experiment conducted by the publisher earlier this year involving Modern Warfare 3 players from North America. The experiment was conducted without the participants' awareness.

As detailed in the paper, Activision introduced a "Deprioritise Skill Test" for 50% of its player base, easing the skill constraints in matchmaking for those players. The other half of the players continued with the usual matchmaking system.

Results from the study indicated that players impacted by the Deprioritise Skill Test were less likely to keep playing the game. Specifically, 90% of these players showed a decrease in their engagement rate, and there was an 80% rise in the number of players who stopped playing.

The study also noted that 10% of the highest-skilled players returned, though this was a smaller group compared to the overall player base. The publisher pointed out that this trend if it persists, will significantly affect the game's player population over time.

The concern extends to all players, including the top 10%, since a continued decline in overall player engagement will progressively push top-tier players into lower rankings within the game. The study predicts that this will ultimately degrade the gaming experience for everyone as the player pool dwindles.

The findings further emphasize that even with only partially deprioritized skill matching, the player base saw a significant erosion. Full removal of skill-based matchmaking would likely lead to a rapid decline in player numbers within a few months, resulting in negative outcomes for the entire community.

In related news, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has been added to Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, following weeks of speculation. Additionally, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be available as a day-one Game Pass release when it launches on October 25.