In a bold move aimed at courting casual players disgruntled with strict skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) systems, Ubisoft’s upcoming free-to-play shooter, XDefiant, has unveiled its matchmaking approach, which prioritizes latency, regional connectivity, and casual fun over skill levels in its casual playlists.
As the May 21 release date approaches, Ubisoft has been actively sharing details about XDefiant, including its stance on the controversial topic of matchmaking. In a new blog post, the developer acknowledges the heated debate surrounding SBMM and its impact on casual gameplay experiences.
“We know this is a hot topic in the FPS space, and in-keeping with our commitment to transparency, we have put together some details for you,” the post reads, setting the stage for Ubisoft’s approach to matchmaking in XDefiant.
The bottom line, according to the developer, is that XDefiant does not utilize SBMM in its casual playlists, as Ubisoft believes “casual playlist[s] should be fun, and no SBMM is the way to do that.”
“Frankly, skill-based matchmaking means every casual game is repetitive – constantly repeating matches that are just as stressful and matched as ranked,” the post continues, highlighting the studio’s commitment to providing a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for casual players.
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In Casual Play, the only available bracket at launch, matchmaking will prioritize latency (ping) and attempt to group players from the same regions together whenever possible. This approach aims to ensure smoother gameplay and minimize connection issues, while also fostering a sense of community among players from similar geographical locations.
Ranked Play, scheduled to arrive post-launch, will introduce a rank level structure and employ a more traditional SBMM system, matching players within a certain skill range. However, even in Ranked Play, latency and regional matchmaking will still be considered to maintain an optimal gameplay experience.
The factors considered for casual matchmaking in XDefiant are listed in order of priority:
- Latency: Prefers similar pings.
- Avoided Players: Restricts matchmaking between players who have muted each other.
- Party Size: Prefers to match parties against parties of similar size.
- Region: Prefers players from the same region/language.
- Input Device: Prefers players using the same input method.
- Platform: Prefers players using the same platform (PC, Xbox, PS).
By embracing a casual-friendly matchmaking system and eschewing strict SBMM in its casual playlists, XDefiant aims to attract players seeking a more relaxed and enjoyable gaming experience, free from the constant pressure of being matched against opponents of similar skill levels.
With five playable factions, five modes, 14 maps, and a diverse arsenal of weapons and attachments at launch, XDefiant is poised to offer a fresh and accessible experience for casual and competitive players alike, catering to a wide range of playstyles and preferences.
