Matchmaking
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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.[1]
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
- Main articles: Optimatch, Quickmatch
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. [2]
Halo 3
- Main articles: Rank, Double EXP Weekend
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. [3]
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.
