Why Epic Games Introduced SBMM

In late 2019, Fortnite introduced Skill-Based Matchmaking to Battle Royale mode. Prior to this, players were matched randomly with no consideration of individual skill. Epic Games aimed to create a more balanced experience by placing players of similar skill levels in the same lobbies. SBMM was designed to level the playing field, making the game more accessible to new players and reducing the dominance of highly skilled users in public lobbies. This aligned with Fortnite’s broad appeal across age groups and gaming proficiencies.

The Algorithm Behind the Curtain

How Skill is Measured

Although Epic Games has not disclosed the exact SBMM formula, community data miners and analysts suggest that the algorithm considers a variety of performance metrics. These likely include eliminations, placements, win rates, build efficiency, and damage dealt per game.

Potential Metrics Used

• Kills per match
• Average placement
• Number of wins
• Building/edit speed
• Kill/death ratio

These data points feed into a dynamic rating system that adjusts based on performance trends, not just one-off matches.

Player Reactions and Community Division

Initial Response

SBMM sparked immediate backlash. Many veteran players expressed frustration with the noticeable spike in difficulty. Previously casual matches now felt like sweaty tournaments. This left some players nostalgic for the days of unpredictable, chaotic fun. Conversely, new players benefited from less intimidating environments, allowing them to explore the game’s mechanics without being crushed by pros.

The Casual Player Dilemma

Why Fun is Being Lost

Casual players found that the promise of more balanced matches came at a cost—fun. SBMM created an environment where even public matches felt hyper-competitive, removing the laid-back atmosphere that once defined Fortnite’s core identity.

The Cycle of Burnout

Consistently playing against similarly skilled opponents forces players to be constantly on edge, often leading to stress and eventual burnout. Casual gamers, who play to relax, now find themselves needing to "sweat" just to win.

The Streamer and Pro Player Conundrum

Content Creation Challenges

SBMM has significantly impacted streamers and content creators. Before SBMM, streamers could entertain audiences with high-kill games against low-skill opponents. With the introduction of SBMM, every match became a high-stakes competition, reducing the entertainment value and forcing players into custom matches or alternative content formats.

Shift in Streaming Dynamics

• Fewer viral clips from "bot lobbies"
• Increased reliance on creative mode or custom scrims
• Decline in casual content creation

Impact on Competitive Ecosystem

Overlap with Ranked Play

One of the most confusing aspects of SBMM in Fortnite is its coexistence with ranked mode. Players question the necessity of SBMM in public matches when ranked exists specifically to provide skill parity. This dual system creates redundancy and confusion, as players feel pressured to perform in all match types, making casual modes indistinguishable from competitive ones.

Manipulation and Exploits

Smurfing and Reverse Boosting

To bypass SBMM, some players resort to unethical tactics like smurfing—using lower-level accounts to face easier competition—or reverse boosting, intentionally performing poorly to lower their skill rating.

Consequences of Exploits

• Skewed match integrity
• Frustration among legitimate new players
• Data inaccuracies affecting algorithm balance

These behaviors defeat SBMM’s purpose and exacerbate matchmaking issues, creating a toxic loop of artificial difficulty adjustments.

Mobile and Cross-Platform Complications

Unfair Platform Advantages

SBMM does not always adequately account for hardware differences. Mobile and console players often find themselves facing off against PC players with superior FPS, resolution, and control schemes, despite similar skill metrics. This raises questions about true skill balance.

Epic's Stance and Limited Transparency

Official Communication

Epic Games has remained mostly silent or vague about SBMM. While some adjustments have been acknowledged, like tweaks to the bot population or minor balancing shifts, no clear roadmap has been shared. The lack of transparency frustrates players who wish to understand why and how their matches are structured the way they are.

Possible Solutions and Community Suggestions

Alternatives to Current SBMM

Players and analysts have suggested potential changes that could preserve both fairness and fun. These include:

Community-Proposed Fixes

• Separate matchmaking queues for casual and ranked play
• Visible skill rating and opt-in SBMM options
• Bot-only lobbies for new players
• More transparent feedback loops

Integrating player feedback more meaningfully could help Fortnite strike a better balance between engagement and competition. Conclusion SBMM in Fortnite was born from a well-intentioned goal: to create fair and balanced match experiences. However, its implementation has led to a cascade of unintended consequences. From the decline of casual fun to the stifling of creative content and strategic exploitation, the system’s flaws are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. While it protects new players, it alienates veterans and streamers, making the Fortnite experience less joyful for many. Only through transparent communication, community engagement, and thoughtful iteration can Epic Games hope to fix this broken system. Until then, the player base remains divided, constantly negotiating the line between fairness and fun.