Marvel Rivals players have reached a new level of frustration with its matchmaking system, as many have started to suspect that the game uses rigged matchmaking.
Speculation grew when matches increasingly turned into one-sided steamrolls, with outcomes seemingly decided from the first firefight. It's a frustrating issue that saps the fun out of the grind. Even worse, with seasonal rank resets, it turns into an exhausting and thankless loop.
The "EOMM" Controversy and Player Skepticism
Part of the frustration stems from how NetEase is allegedly using a system called “EOMM,” or Engagement Optimized Matchmaking. This concept has been debated for years in competitive shooters, and NetEase is one of the proponents of this design and often associated with it.
However, Marvel Rivals Executive Producer Danny Koo stated just a month ago on the game’s official Discord that there is no EOMM in the game. Despite this confirmation, many players remain skeptical. Even if EOMM isn’t being used directly, players believe a similar matchmaking algorithm might be in place.
Community Complaints: "Rigged" Matches and Unfair Streaks
A post on r/MarvelRivals from two months ago described one player’s experience after hundreds of hours with the game. They outlined several issues, even comparing Marvel Rivals’ matchmaking to that of Blizzard’s Overwatch 2. According to the player, Marvel Rivals has a far worse system, one that seems to subtly control wins and losses. They suggested that this is the infamous “EOMM” approach that NetEase is rumored to use.
Other players echoed this sentiment, claiming the algorithm is designed to keep people engaged. After a winning streak, it seems you’re bound to face a much harder losing streak, not because of performance but because the system adjusts match difficulty to keep you hooked. It’s not about rewarding skill, they argue, but about manipulating player engagement.
It’s a sensitive topic that touches on the psychology of gaming. But based on what’s being said from players on Reddit, many believe Marvel Rivals really is using some form of EOMM.
Even high-ranking players, like those in Diamond and GM, report strange matchmaking inconsistencies. They describe being paired with teammates who appear significantly less skilled or completely new to the game, making the climb through ranks incredibly frustrating.
If these matchmaking issues persist and players continue to feel an "invisible hand" shaping their experience, concerns are rising that it could seriously harm Marvel Rivals' long-term health. The debate begs the question: whatever happened to traditional skill-based matchmaking (SBMM)?
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