What is the best way to test an online game's matchmaking algorithm?

1 Matchmaking challenges

One of the main challenges of online game matchmaking is to ensure that the matches are fair, fun, and engaging for the players. This means that the algorithm should try to avoid creating matches that are too easy or too hard, too boring or too chaotic, too long or too short, or that result in frustration, rage quitting, or negative feedback. To achieve this, the algorithm needs to consider various factors, such as the players' skill level, play style, preferences, history, and feedback, as well as the game mode, rules, and objectives. However, these factors are not always easy to measure, quantify, or compare, and they may change over time or vary from player to player.

2 Matchmaking goals

Another challenge of online game matchmaking is to define and measure the goals and outcomes of the algorithm. What are the indicators of a successful match? How do you evaluate the quality and satisfaction of the players? How do you optimize the algorithm for different game genres, modes, and audiences? To test and evaluate your algorithm, you can use various goals and metrics, such as match time (how long does it take to find and start a match?), match balance (how close are the skill levels, scores, and outcomes of the players or teams?), match stability (how often do the matches end prematurely, disconnect, or lag?), match diversity (how often do the players encounter new or different opponents or teammates?), match retention (how often do the players repeat or continue playing the same or similar matches?), and match feedback (how do the players rate, review, or comment on their matches?).

3 Matchmaking methods

When designing and implementing a matchmaking algorithm for your game, you can choose from various methods and techniques, depending on your genre, mode, and audience. The Elo rating system is a popular choice. It assigns a numerical rating to each player based on their performance against others, then tries to match players with similar ratings. Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) uses criteria such as score, kills, or level to estimate the skill level of each player and create appropriate matches. Role-based matchmaking matches players based on their preferred or assigned roles in the game. Preference-based matchmaking matches players based on their personal or social preferences, such as game mode or language. Ultimately, these methods aim to create balanced and complementary teams that suit the players' tastes and expectations.