Abstract: Methods for matching online users in a networked interactive entertainment simulation are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a user request for a user for joining an online session of the simulation. The user request is associated with a set of criteria for matching the user with other online users. An available population of users and a moving average of elapsed time to match for other users are determined. The set of criteria is adjusted based on the available population and the moving average of elapsed time. Finding other online users matching the adjusted set of criteria is initiated. The online session is started based on found online users. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.