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SypherPK has been on the receiving end of a storm of unwarranted abuse after a possible return of skill-based matchmaking to the Squads playlist.
We recently reported that Epic Games had removed skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) from Squads matches. This was a change that was overall very well received by the Fortnite community and many agreed that Ali “SypherPK” Hassan played a big part in making it happen.
Sypher had posted a video to YouTube discussing the state of the game and what he thought needed to happen to revitalise it as we move into Season 3. One suggestion was the removal of SBMM in order to help bring back those old school Fortnite vibes. This idea gained a lot of traction across social media and most likely at least partly contributed to Epic’s decision to adjust Squads.
Despite most people being pleased with the more casual feeling to Squads games, there was very clearly a problem with the amount of AI players in matches. Lobbies would have upwards of 60 bots which made for a pretty unrewarding experience.
Well, it now appears that the developers have made another change. Reports began to surface that Squads games are once again filled with sweats, leading many sources to claim that SBMM has been reactivated. Until Epic make an official comment this is not confirmed, it is possible that they just lowered the number of AI which has consequently made matches feel harder.
Looking for someone to blame for the apparent removal of SBMM, many angry gamers turned straight back to SypherPK. He had recently made another video in which he discussed the issue of the overly abundant AI. Seemingly without watching for themselves, they decided that this meant Sypher had asked for the skill-based matchmaking system to come back.
To those tweeting.. #fucksypher
— SypherPK (@SypherPK) May 12, 2020
I’m one of the most outspoken people who wanted SBMM changed so the game can be more relaxed and enjoyable. Very strange of you to think that I wanted it back in the game. There was too many AI (60-90% of the lobby) that was the only thing wrong. pic.twitter.com/rl1lTyFP55
Sypher was targeted by a series of hateful tweets using the hashtag #fucksypher, and as usual, more and more people jumped on the bandwagon with no understanding of the situation. Not being one to sit down and take this sort of abuse, he quickly responded with a video explaining why this hate was being directed the wrong way.
Many prominent figures from within the Fortnite community made it known that they supported Sypher, and that he is the last person who deserves to be harassed like this. Seeing this, a lot of the anger started to fade out, but it was still disappointing how fast people were to attack him in the first place.
What the true fate of SBMM is we will have to wait and see. Epic Games have been communicating very well recently and seem to be listening to what their players have to say. Therefore it would make sense that they are still experimenting with Squads and trying to make the matchmaking experience the best it can be.
