What Is MMR In Games And How Does It Work?

by  John Uke Last update: December 19, 2024

Hey there, competitive gamers and ranking enthusiasts! Today we’re diving into a term that’s at the heart of many heated gaming discussions: MMR. No, it’s not a new gaming console or a fancy graphics setting. It’s all about how games figure out just how good (or bad) we are at playing them. So, let’s jump in and demystify MMR!

What Is MMR in Games?

MMR stands for Matchmaking Rating. It’s a behind-the-scenes number that games use to determine your skill level. Think of it as your gamer report card, but instead of grades, it’s using complex math to figure out how likely you are to win against other players.

The goal of MMR is to create fair and balanced matches. After all, nobody wants to be the newbie constantly getting stomped by pros, or the expert finding no challenge in every game. MMR helps ensure you’re playing against people at roughly your skill level, making for more competitive and fun matches.

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The Origins of The Term

The concept of rating players isn’t new – chess has been doing it for ages with the Elo rating system, developed by Arpad Elo in the 1960s. But as online gaming exploded in popularity, developers needed a way to match players fairly in real-time.

The term MMR itself gained traction in the early 2000s with the rise of competitive online games, especially in the MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre. Games like DotA (Defense of the Ancients) and later League of Legends popularized the use of MMR in gaming vernacular.

How Does MMR Work?

While the exact algorithms can vary between games, the basic principle of MMR remains the same:

1. Starting Point: New players usually start with a baseline MMR.
2. Winning and Losing: Your MMR goes up when you win and down when you lose.
3. Opponent Skill: Beating higher-rated players boosts your MMR more than beating lower-rated ones.
4. Uncertainty: The system is more uncertain about new players, so their MMR can change more drastically in early games.
5. Hidden vs. Visible: Some games keep MMR hidden, while others display it as a rank or rating.
6. Team Games: In team games, the system tries to balance the average MMR of each team.
7. Performance Factors: Some systems might take into account individual performance, not just wins and losses.

Most Popular Games Using MMR

MMR is a staple in competitive gaming. Here are some popular games that use MMR systems:

1. League of Legends: Uses a complex MMR system to determine matchmaking and rank progression.
2. Dota 2: Features a visible MMR number for ranked play.
3. Overwatch: Uses a hidden MMR alongside a visible Skill Rating (SR).
4. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive: Employs a modified Glicko-2 rating system for its competitive matchmaking.
5. Rainbow Six Siege: Uses MMR to determine player ranks in its competitive mode.
6. Rocket League: Features a skill-based matchmaking system using MMR.
7. Valorant: Utilizes a hidden MMR system alongside visible ranks.
8. Hearthstone: Uses MMR for matchmaking in its ranked play mode.

Other Related Terms

When diving into the world of MMR and competitive gaming, you might encounter these related terms:

1. Elo: The original chess rating system that inspired many MMR systems.
2. Glicko and Glicko-2: More advanced rating systems that account for rating reliability.
3. Skill Rating (SR): Often used interchangeably with MMR, but sometimes represents a visible ranking based on hidden MMR.
4. Ranked/Competitive Play: Game modes where MMR is typically used most strictly.
5. Smurfing: When high-skill players create new accounts to play against lower-rated opponents.
6. Boosting: The practice of having a higher-skilled player raise another player’s MMR.
7. Calibration: The process of determining a player’s initial MMR, often through a series of placement matches.
8. Decay: Some games lower inactive players’ MMR over time to encourage regular play.

So there you have it, competitive gamers! Now you know the ins and outs of MMR. Next time you’re climbing (or falling) through the ranks, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s going on behind the scenes. Remember, at the end of the day, MMR is just a number. What really matters is having fun and improving your skills. Now get out there and show that matchmaking system what you’re made of!