Matchmaking

Matchmaking is a system which allows players or teams to be matched with others for the purpose of playing an online multiplayer game via Xbox Live.

Overview
Matchmaking is a multiplayer system that provides players the ability to enter into a game with less effort. Individuals or teams search for a game, and are matched by the system with other similar players. Once an appropriate number of players is found, the match is made and the game can begin.

Halo 2
Halo 2 does not have any form of custom games search system; instead, it has a simplistic matchmaking system integrated into its Xbox Live feature. There are two options, Optimatch and Quickmatch. Optimatch allows players to select a type of game from a playlist, while Quickmatch simply places you into the last used playtype.

The matchmaking data from Halo 2 would be used to help develop TrueSkill, the skill based ranking system used in future Halo titles and other video games.

Halo 3
In Halo 3, players can choose from two forms of matchmaking; ranked and social with each having different gametypes. In both playlists, players are awarded Experience Points (EXP) for winning a match. Should they lose, no EXP will be given. However, if the player quits the game during a match, one EXP will be deducted from their account. Unlike Halo 2, if a party has a high variability of skill levels in the current playlist, it will acknowledge it as a "mixed party" and will attempt to match with another party or several parties of a similar mix of ranks between the players.

Halo 3 ' s matchmaking also includes "Double EXP Weekend" which is played only on weekends and awards players double EXP with no penalty consequences should they lose a match. In certain events such as Halloween, special playlists such as Living Dead and Cinco de Mayo are added to the matchmaking and are featured as a "Double EXP Weekend" playlist. These playlists only occur for a short amount of time, usually during the celebration of their respective holiday.

Halo 3 was the first Halo game to use the TrueSkill™ rankings in matchmaking.

Halo Wars
Halo War's matchmaking system matches players together based on their TrueSkill™ rating, similar to other Halo titles. Players earn ranks by increasing their unique overall score. By playing and completing online matches against other players, a player's score is increased. When certain milestones are reached, as a player's score passes a pre-determined amount, a new rank is assigned to the player.

The are eight ranks in total, ranging from Recruit to General.

Halo: Reach
Halo: Reach will not feature Ranked playlists in matchmaking, opting instead for Arena, Invasion and unranked playlists. It will also continue to use the TrueSkill™ ranking system for matchmaking. Due to the fact that Halo: Reach is not yet out, the available information is subject to change upon release.

Trivia

 * Halo: Combat Evolved is the only Halo game that does not feature any Xbox Live support.