Marvel Rivals Matchmaking: Is EOMM Ruining The Fun?
Is the matchmaking in Marvel Rivals truly fair, or is it being subtly manipulated to keep players hooked? The current consensus among many players is that the matchmaking system is heavily influenced by an algorithm designed to maximize player engagement, often leading to unbalanced matches and a frustrating experience.
From the outset, Marvel Rivals promised an exciting and engaging experience, drawing players in with its iconic characters and dynamic gameplay. However, a growing chorus of voices within the community is raising concerns about the game's matchmaking system. The core issue, as many perceive it, centers on Engagement Optimized Matchmaking (EOMM). This system, unlike traditional Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM), is believed to prioritize player engagement over pure skill-based fairness. The result, players argue, is a gaming experience punctuated by extreme imbalances and artificial match outcomes. Matches often end in overwhelming victories or crushing defeats, leaving little room for the back-and-forth, nail-biting competition that defines a truly enjoyable gaming experience.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Title | Marvel Rivals |
| Developer | Netease Games |
| Matchmaking System Type (Suspected) | Engagement Optimized Matchmaking (EOMM) |
| Objective | Pair players based on skills and engagement |
| Reported Outcomes |
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| Community Perception |
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| Factors Considered |
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| Reference | Marvel Rivals Official Website |
Many players have reported experiencing a cycle of wins and losses, a pattern that strongly suggests the presence of EOMM. Winning streaks seem inevitably followed by losing streaks, a phenomenon players often describe as being "put in the loser queue". This creates a sense of artificiality, where the game appears to actively work against a player's continued success. Some users claim that the game places them with less skilled teammates during losing streaks, making it difficult to regain a winning streak. The consistent lack of balanced rounds in public matches is a further point of concern. Players seek exciting, competitive matches, and the prevalence of one-sided outcomes diminishes the quality of play.
Adding to the controversy, some players suspect the use of bots, particularly in quick play matches. The reports describe instances of teams of characters taking identical routes to objectives, or having oddly inconsistent aim patterns. If true, the inclusion of bots would further skew the matchmaking process, possibly aimed at influencing player engagement by manipulating match outcomes. This can create the perception of an unfair advantage or disadvantage, especially when the system is supposed to be matching players based on skill. The use of bots could be linked to the algorithm trying to balance the matches.
The impact on the ranking system in competitive mode is also a significant point of concern. Players are worried about being "punished" for ranking up too quickly. The alleged punishment often involves being paired with teammates who seem less experienced or who don't focus on the game's primary objectives. In a team-based game, this could drastically affect the outcome of matches and creates the impression that the system does not want players to climb the ranks too rapidly.
As the game is developed by Netease Games, the matchmaking system has undergone significant scrutiny. As the community members examine gameplay footage, share personal experiences, and analyze player statistics, they have built the case for this controversial practice. The goal of SBMM is to find a suitable match based on a player's skill level, which is considered a fair approach. However, the application of EOMM could have unintended effects on the play experience.
The mechanics of matchmaking are crucial, impacting both casual and competitive gameplay. While the system aims to balance player skills, queue times, and team composition, many players express disappointment with the inconsistency and lack of clarity. It should be noted that there are two primary approaches to matchmaking: Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM), and EOMM, the system that players are suspecting is in Marvel Rivals. SBMM aims to create fair matches based on skill, while EOMM prioritizes engagement. With the use of EOMM, winning streaks are followed by losing streaks and balanced games are rare.
The developers have stated that the system considers several factors to determine a player's skill level, including their rank, hero power, and overall performance. However, the details of the algorithm and the exact weighting of these factors remain undisclosed. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for players to understand how their matches are determined and can fuel suspicion of manipulation. In this case, the most frustrating feature is the matchmaking, as it is being implemented. It feels like the game is trying to keep players interested, through a series of wins and losses.
While the exact factors EOMM takes into account in Marvel Rivals are not officially published, the goal is to create a system that keeps players engaged, resulting in a balance of victories and defeats. The use of bots and the assignment of teammates who do not focus on the objective are believed to be possible tactics. In summary, the matchmaking system in Marvel Rivals is subject to heated debate within the community. The claims of EOMM, the potential use of bots, and the inconsistent match quality have created a sense of distrust among players. Until there's more clarity about the inner workings of the matchmaking, players will be left to question the fairness of their matches and the degree to which their experience is being shaped by an algorithm.
