Overview

• Activision conducted a secret test in early 2024, loosening skill-based matchmaking for 50% of players.
• Results indicated a significant drop in player retention and an 80% increase in quit rates without skill-based matchmaking.
• Only the top 10% of highly skilled players continued playing at the same rate when matchmaking constraints were loosened.
• The study suggests completely removing skill-based matchmaking would rapidly erode the player base.
• Activision's transparency in sharing these findings is unusual in the gaming industry, highlighting the complexity of matchmaking.