Matchmaking in WOC
I’d like to provide some feedback regarding the matchmaking system in NHL 25’s World of Chel mode. As an active and experienced player, I’ve noticed that the current system does not take player rank into account when matching opponents. This results in highly imbalanced games, where players of all skill levels are thrown together randomly.
While I understand that you has previously stated that skill-based matchmaking might lead to longer queue times, I believe this concern is overstated—at least in regions like Finland, where peak playtime is concentrated in the evenings, ensuring a steady player base. The lack of proper matchmaking makes the experience unchallenging for higher-level players, as winning becomes a routine rather than an engaging competition.
To keep the mode engaging for players across all skill levels, I strongly urge you to reconsider implementing a ranking-based matchmaking system. Even a soft SBMM system—where rank is considered but not strictly enforced—would significantly enhance competitive balance without drastically increasing queue times.
I hope this feedback reaches the development team, as improving matchmaking would greatly benefit the longevity and enjoyment of World of Chel.