Battlefield 6 Developers Comment on SBMM And The Vast Amount of Battlefield Labs Leaks

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As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but feel the collective disappointment of the Battlefield community when it comes to the recent leaks about Battlefield 6. The whispers about the potential inclusion of Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) have stirred up quite a storm, leaving many players, including myself, hoping for a fairer, more open battlefield experience.

Earlier this week, there were rumors about Battlefield 6, as internal game code from Battlefield Labs playtests revealed that the new game would feature a system for pairing players with comparable skills – often referred to as Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM).

It came as little surprise that the community expressed strong disapproval over the recent leak, with many expressing their dissatisfaction by stating their preference for a server browser instead. This is because games like Call of Duty, known for its strict skill-based matchmaking system, are no longer considered enjoyable to them.

Battlefield Developers Weigh in on SBMM

As a passionate gamer like many of you, I’m excited about Battlefield 6 just as much as you are. Recently, I hopped onto our private Battlefield Labs Discord server to share some insights about Battlefield 6 and SBMM (Skill-Based Matchmaking), courtesy of one of the game’s Lead Producers, David Sirland, who kindly spilled the beans on Reddit by user Old_Doubt5886.

In essence, he emphasized that our team is committed to creating a fair and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. To achieve this, we’re focusing on implementing SBMM in Battlefield 6. This means that you’ll likely be grouped with opponents of similar skill levels when you jump into the game, ensuring that matches are competitive and fun for everyone involved.

Now, I know some of you might have concerns about SBMM, but rest assured that our team is working hard to ensure it doesn’t take away from the classic Battlefield experience that we all love. We understand the importance of maintaining a balance between skill-based matchmaking and preserving the chaotic, unpredictable nature of battle that Battlefield is known for. So, while you wait with bated breath for the release of Battlefield 6, keep in mind that our team is working tirelessly to make it an unforgettable gaming experience for everyone!

Important Notice: In the year 2042, the game employs Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) as per this definition, which I explained in detail yesterday. The game emphasizes ping and time to start a game over skill level, especially in a 64-player setting. As such, we prioritize launching a server immediately, making the skill factor insignificant when sorting players into servers. Additionally, parties are generally disregarded. To clarify, labeling SBMM as negative is not particularly helpful. Instead, what you likely mean to express is that “Heavy SBMM, where skill disparity is given significant weight, can be problematic.

While it’s not ideal to have only high-skilled players grouped together, having a skill level in matchmaking isn’t necessarily a flaw. In fact, it’s essential for creating balanced teams, regardless of the overall skill range on a server. Imagine if all high-skill players were always on the same team – wouldn’t that make the game less enjoyable?

To clarify, having a skill value in the matchmaking system (which has been there since we began implementing matchmaking by the way) doesn’t automatically imply a strict skill-based matchmaking solution. In fact, it goes against our intentions for Battlefield. Battlefield thrives when players engage in large-scale war modes with friends and diverse opponents – we don’t intend to restrict that experience.

The significance of skill in team balancing applies regardless of how you enter the server. By the way, did you think that the BF labs playtests were overly strict with skill-based matchmaking? If not, then we are on the same page. We’ll use the same matchmaker and settings (with adjustments if necessary to iron out any issues).

RELATED – EXCLUSIVE – EA’s Next Battlefield Game Will Also Have a Free-to-Play Battle Royale

In essence, as of now, the prevailing hypotheses about Battlefield 6 and SBMM don’t seem solidly grounded, at least when it comes to Sirland. However, keep in mind that during development, things can change. That’s why Battlefield Labs were established and NDAs have been implemented. Recently, Battlefield Community Manager T0TALfps shared his insights on the leaked information.

Okay enough,

At Battlefield Labs, we’re focused on developing and working together to shape the future of Battlefield in an appropriate manner. It’s essential to clarify that experiments or projects within Battlefield Labs might not necessarily reach the final stage. However, this aspect makes our program unique because it encourages creativity, enables us to understand what resonates with our community, collect valuable input from participants, and possibly identify issues with features.

We’ve been eager to launch such a program, as it reflects your desire for increased participation and responsiveness across all Battlefield-related matters.

The right moment for sharing new details about features and functions hasn’t arrived yet, and this isn’t it. We’ll tackle different subjects and invite more people to join Battlefield Labs when the time is right. However, repeatedly posting content isn’t the appropriate moment. Violating the NDA you agreed to will result in individuals being removed.

Information and content that gets passed along may be presented inappropriately, often accompanied by a storyline that can harm the credibility and openness we aim for. Things don’t hold the same weight when they are relayed out of context versus being directly experienced or thoroughly explained with accurate details and descriptions.

As a gamer, I’m all about sharing my experiences, but the fleeting appeal of online recognition can sometimes overshadow our collective goal of fostering open and engaging conversations. Frankly, if you’re here just to chase internet fame, I have to wonder if that aligns with the spirit of this community we’ve built together.

It’s clear that we’re on the same page – we aim to create a setting where testing and collaboration can take place once more. To ensure openness, we’ve been striving to reaffirm the values you previously admired in us. However, we can truly make Battlefield feel like Battlefield again only if trust isn’t compromised. That’s why we need your support – together, we can do it right and in the best possible way.

To join Battlefield Labs and experience the action firsthand, simply register at this link: http://go.ea.com/bflabs. Rest easy knowing that your chance to participate will soon be here.

Just a last heads-up: A piece of information or work is considered authentic and appropriate only when we’ve given our approval for sharing and feel confident discussing its subject matter.

To all who’ve joined our community and envision a vibrant future for Battlefield, I extend my sincere gratitude – deeply so. Over the years I’ve been involved, I’ve never seen the community as closely intertwined with Battlefield development as it is now. The unique path we’re embarking on resonates with you, and I sense that shared understanding. It’s invigorating to witness your reactions to our pre-alpha content and your valuable feedback. Not only do we take it into account, but we manage to adapt and change within a short span of time – an experience like no other.

Rules may not always be enjoyable, yet they serve a crucial purpose in ensuring everyone’s well-being. A heartfelt gratitude goes out to those who comply with the rules, and appreciation extends to all of you for placing your trust and investing your time in making our community an even better place.

Let’s keep doing this together, and do expect more Community Updates in the very near future!

Currently, it appears that numerous details about Battlefield 6 have surfaced online from the internal playtests at Battlefield Labs. This includes the fact that a new Battle Royale mode is under development for the series, as well as the reintroduction of class specializations. A recent leak has further confirmed these developments.

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2025-04-12 13:49