What is MMR?

MMR stands for “matchmaking rating”. It is a numerical value that is used to determine the skill level of a player in online video games and is used by video game companies, such as Blizzard or Riot Games, to decide who an individual should be matched up against. It also serves as an indicator of how well someone is able to perform in a certain game, be it League of Legends, Overwatch, or StarCraft II.

MMR is a way to put players into even skill brackets on online gaming platforms. Matchmaking is the procedure that video game companies use to find suitable competitors for an individual player. While it’s not that complicated, the rating system behind it is what makes it feel personal and allows for tailored games.

How Does MMR Work?

MMR has its own ranking system that is completely separate from what players experience in the game itself. It isn’t visible to players, and is only for the game developer’s use. Every time an individual plays a match, their MMR is affected. The better a player performs, the higher their MMR score will be. Likewise, the worse they perform, the lower their MMR will be. MMR is usually tracked over several different game modes and affects the kind of match-ups that the game’s matchmaking algorithm finds for a player.

MMR Leaderboards

Some companies like Blizzard, NCSOFT and Valve have implemented leaderboards in their games that are based off MMR. These leaderboards allow players to see where they stand amongst the best players in their region or country. This allows them to measure their progress and also compete against the best players in the game. Leaderboards unlock a high-pressure competitive environment where players continuously strive to reach a higher ranking.

Conclusion

MMR is a great tool for competitive video games because it allows for games to accurately and fairly match individuals against opponents of similar skill level. As well as allowing for competitive tournaments and leaderboards, it ensures that players don’t encounter frustration from being pitted against opponents that are significantly better than them. It encourages players to reach the highest levels of play if they choose to do so, making it a key part in the growth of any given game.