As anticipation builds for the next installment in the Battlefield franchise, new details have emerged about the game’s matchmaking system—and they’re already sparking major discussion among fans. In a message shared from the closed Battlefield Labs Discord, David Sirland, a Lead Producer on Battlefield 6, has clarified the role of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in the upcoming shooter.
What Did David Sirland Say About SBMM?
The clarification, initially posted in a private developer Discord and later shared publicly by Reddit user Old_Doubt5886, reveals that while Battlefield 6 does use a skill-based component, it’s not the primary factor in matchmaking.
PSA from David Sirland in BF Labs surrounding the controversy of SBMM.
byu/Old_Doubt5886 inBattlefield
This approach contrasts sharply with more aggressive SBMM systems seen in titles like Call of Duty, where players are often matched solely based on skill level—something that has long been criticized for ruining the fun of casual play.
Matchmaking Focus: Fast Games Over Even Matchups
The dev’s message suggests that connection quality and lobby speed are the true priorities. Once players are matched into a server based on their ping, skill comes into play during team balancing, not matchmaking itself.
This setup should come as a relief to fans worried that Battlefield would go the same direction as other modern shooters that favor tighter, sweatier matches. Many longtime players appreciate the more chaotic and sandbox-style multiplayer that the Battlefield series is known for.
Back to 64-Player Matches?
Sirland’s comment also seemed to hint at another hot topic: player count. His statement indirectly confirmed rumors that Battlefield 6 could be returning to 64-player matches, a move that would mark a departure from Battlefield 2042’s 128-player battles—which were widely criticized for feeling too large and unmanageable.
Server Browser Still Unconfirmed
While the update clears up some major questions about SBMM, Sirland did not clarify whether Battlefield 6 will include a server browser—another fan-favorite feature. However, his explanation of the matchmaking process doesn’t rule it out, meaning there’s still hope for more traditional lobby control.
What’s Next?
With official details still under wraps, fans will have to wait a bit longer to see how matchmaking and server systems shake out. But one thing’s clear: Battlefield 6 is aiming to strike a balance between accessibility and classic multiplayer chaos.
Stay tuned with us for more developer insights as Battlefield 6 nears its reveal.