Twitch streamer went on a rant accusing Marvel Rivals of manipulating the matchmaking. But we already know that every game does this.

marvel rivals

Marvel Rivals has quickly become one of the biggest live service titles ever made since its launch in December 2024. NetEase Games really succeeded in bringing the Marvel IP into a hero shooter format in an ultimate formula of fun. But there seem to be some cracks in the formula, at least according to popular streamer Nickmercs.

A still from Marvel Rivals showing a team of Marvel characters.Nickmercs tells us what the “problem” is. | Image Credit: NetEase Games

Twitch streamer Nickmercs went on a rant during one of his recent livestreams where he accused NetEase Games of manipulating matchmaking to artificially balance player performance. The system he describes is one that already exists and is often used. It is likely that NetEase uses Engagement Optimized Matchmaking for Marvel Rivals.

Nickmercs has a theory about Marvel Rivals‘ matchmaking

A cover image of Marvel Rivals with characters showing down.How true is this if every game does it? Image Credit: NetEase Games

During a live stream on February 4, 2025, Nickmercs accused Marvel Rivals of intentionally creating an uneven matchmaking experience to maximize player retention. He alleged that after winning several games in a row, the system “flags” a player’s account and places them on teams with weaker players. A lot of us probably relate to this but is it true?

According to him, this cycle is “by design” to keep players engaged longer, rather than rewarding pure skill. His words have had mixed reactions as a lot of people relate with him and admit to facing the same things. But on the other hand, isn’t this just how every online game is? We have played these games before!

Nickmercs’ theory isn’t entirely new. Engagement-based matchmaking (EOMM) is something that’s been in various multiplayer games. Unlike traditional skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), which pairs players of similar skill, EOMM is designed to maximize player retention. Some believe developers intentionally place skilled players in difficult matchups to balance engagement levels across the player base.

NetEase may be using EOMM in Marvel Rivals after all

A still from Marvel Rivals with Iron Man's special MVP animation.The studio has already done research on it. | Image Credit: NetEase Games

Interestingly, NetEase Games has previously published research on its matchmaking system and it does explain the engagement-based matchmaking theory. The studio’s document titled OptMatch: Optimized Matchmaking via Modeling the High-Order Interactions on the Arena contains an algorithm designed to balance player satisfaction. So you can blame your losses on this.

It suggests that factors beyond just skill, such as playstyle compatibility and engagement metrics, are considered in matchmaking. This implies that while the system may not be outright “rigged,” it is optimized to keep players invested by ensuring they don’t win or lose too frequently.

Many gamers believe that engagement-based matchmaking isn’t just about balancing matches, it’s about keeping players addicted. The idea is that if players experience a mix of wins and losses, they will keep playing to “prove themselves” or chase a win streak.

But in the end, we should just focus on improving rather than blaming matchmaking for our losses. The main goal of Marvel Rivals is so that we the players can have fun, so let’s do just that.