I thought it was finally behind us. I believed I wouldn’t have to revisit this topic again. Yet here we are in 2025, grappling with the debate on skill-based matchmaking in Call of Duty.
Black Ops 7 was presented as the turning point where we could leave the matchmaking discourse in the dust. Activision and Treyarch introduced the Open Matchmaking playlists, which claim to “minimally consider” player skill, aiming to address widespread complaints. While the experience has its positives and negatives, it genuinely feels refreshing. But, unsurprisingly, the conversation has resurfaced.
After a temporary lull, the CoD community erupted once more with the decision to place the “Standard Moshpit”—a playlist where skill is a crucial factor—at the forefront of matchmaking options with the arrival of season one. Many players reacted dramatically, describing it as a “rug pull” and declaring, “we’re cooked,” implying the situation is dire.
“We’ve seen heightened engagement with Standard Moshpit, which is why we’re showcasing it in the Featured tab for players who desire a competitive experience,” mentioned the company in the season one patch notes. They provided both options as a means to give players a more varied experience.
Interestingly, while Open Matchmaking continues to dominate five out of six featured playlists at the onset of season one, along with Quick Play being the most popular option featuring it, CoD players continue to voice their frustrations repeatedly. I’m honestly growing weary of hearing about it.
This season’s launch of BO7 likely includes more content than most players can manage. Activision has labeled it as the “biggest season one ever,” and I can see why, judging by my experience with it. Players are treated to a plethora of new weapons, multiplayer maps, a fresh Zombies map, and exciting Endgame activities—ensuring an enjoyable gaming experience throughout the holidays. This doesn’t even touch on Warzone’s update in BO7, which players are mostly praising (though I wish it had BO7’s wall-jump).
Labeling the moshpit playlist as “Standard” seems like a misstep, leading many vocal players to speculate a conspiracy. They suspect that casual players fall into the trap of unwittingly boosting the SBMM statistics, which Activision might then use to justify its popularity. This ongoing back-and-forth is exhausting. Just play what you enjoy, or don’t play at all. I genuinely wish to avoid typing “SBMM” again unless something significant occurs.
I’ve reached out to Activision once more for their perspective on the continued backlash, but they reiterated there would be no further comments beyond what has already been disclosed. I’m not optimistic that this topic will receive further attention unless there are notable changes.
The company has repeatedly stated that players should opt for Open Matchmaking if they prefer prioritizing connection over skill, while Standard is for those who want a more competitive environment. Personally, I plan to steer clear of SBMM as much as possible, and I know that many fellow gamers share my sentiments. That’s how I’ll approach my gameplay from here on out unless something drastic forces a reevaluation.
Will skill-based matchmaking be removed from Call of Duty? As of now, it doesn’t seem likely, as the company firmly believes in maintaining options for players.
Why does the community dislike skill-based matchmaking? Many players feel that it restricts their gaming experience and reduces enjoyment by forcing them to compete against stronger opponents consistently.
Are there alternatives to skill-based matchmaking in Call of Duty? Yes, the Open Matchmaking playlists offer a casual experience where skill is not a primary factor, catering to players who want a more relaxed gaming environment.
How does the community currently feel about Black Ops 7? Mixed reviews, with players highlighting both the extensive content and ongoing frustrations regarding matchmaking systems.
Is Call of Duty still engaging for new players with the current updates? Yes, with a wealth of new content, BO7 remains attractive to new players while also providing substantial engagement for veterans.
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