A skill scoring frameworks allows for handicapping an individual game player in a gaming environment in preparation of matching the game player with other game players, whether for building teams or assigning competitors, or both. By introducing handicapping into the skill scoring framework, a highly skilled player may select one or more game characteristics (e.g., a less than optimal racing vehicle, reduced character capabilities, etc.) and therefore be assigned a handicap that allows the player to be matched with lower skilled players for competitive game play. Handicaps may apply positively or negatively a player's skill score during the matching stage. Handicaps may also be updated based on the game outcomes of the game play in which they were applied.