Marvel Rivals dev hits back at EOMM allegations, confirms you're imagining it

Matchmaking is a hot topic in any PvP game. Even among some of the most popular, debates rage on about unfair matchups. It's easy to understand why. There's nothing worse than logging on for a ranked session and finding the other team stacked with players far better than you. However, Marvel Rivals players suspected another issue: that the game was employing EOMM, or engagement optimized matchmaking. However, developer Netease has addressed these concerns directly in a new video posted on social media.

For those of you who don't know what EOMM is, it's a system where the developer intentionally manipulates matchmaking in order to keep players engaged. If, for instance, you were on a three-match losing streak, an EOMM-based system would then match you with better players on your team and worse players on the opposing side, hoping that a big win will keep you playing for a few more matches.

As matchmaking systems are so often obscured, players tend to speculate on what's happening under the hood. Marvel Rivals regulars are no different, with many feeling certain that trickery was afoot, but the developers behind the multiplayer game have shot the idea down.

"We want to be clear," says lead combat designer Zhiyong. "Marvel Rivals does not use EOMM." Zhiyong goes on to explain why some players may have struggles with matchmaking. He says that, due to the large team sizes in Marvel Rivals, factors other than individual skill can impact how well a squad performs. For instance, teamwork and co-ordination "can sway the outcome," he says.

By this logic, matchmaking a 1v1 PvP game should be simple. But with six players per team, even opposing sides with identical average scores may not perform the same. He also notes that the lack of role locking can play a factor. If your best player is stuck in a role they're not familiar with, it can seriously hamper your chances.

Zhiyong says that Marvel Rivals doesn't implement a role queue to give players "freedom" and to encourage "more varied strategies." Role-based matchmaking would also "significantly increase queue times." However, players seem to have reached a consensus that they'd prefer longer queue times if it ensured better quality matches. Whether they'd say the same thing while stuck in a ten-minute queue if Marvel Rivals tested their theory is another thing entirely.

Another complaint is that the game needs to implement placements to more accurately show a player's skill and help the matchmaking system create fairer matches. However, many players appreciate the honesty from Netease, even if they aren't happy with the current matchmaking system.

If you really want to start winning your ranked matches, our Marvel Rivals tier list will help you out. And make sure you've redeemed the latest Marvel Rivals codes as well to grab every available freebie.

What do you make of Marvel Rivals' matchmaking system? Let us know in our community Discord server, where staff and readers hang out to discuss all things gaming. We're friendly, I promise.