For years, a single acronym has haunted the hallowed halls of Call of Duty multiplayer: SBMM, or Skill-Based Matchmaking. It’s been the whispered bane of veteran players and the quiet comfort of casuals, a system designed to ensure every match is, theoretically, a fair fight. But fair, as many have discovered, doesn’t always equate to fun. Now, Activision appears to be taking a significant step towards addressing this long-standing community contention, inspired by the remarkably positive reception of “open” playlists in the recent Black Ops 7 beta.
The Great Matchmaking Divide: Fun vs. Fair
The concept behind SBMM is elegantly simple: group players of similar skill levels together. In theory, this prevents new players from being constantly steamrolled by seasoned veterans, fostering a more welcoming environment and ideally, retaining a broader player base. For many, especially those new to the franchise or only occasionally dipping into multiplayer, this system can be a godsend. It ensures they stand a chance, feel competitive, and aren`t simply fodder for the truly elite.
However, for the more dedicated player base, the implementation of stringent SBMM has transformed Call of Duty from a chaotic, unpredictable romp into a relentless, high-stakes grind. Every public match begins to feel like a tournament final, forcing players to “sweat” constantly to maintain their performance. The casual joy of logging on after a long day to simply unwind with some virtual carnage often gets replaced by intense focus and, ironically, frustration. The very spontaneity that defined early Call of Duty experiences, where one might encounter players of wildly varying skill in a single lobby, evaporated, leaving behind a homogenized, often exhausting, competitive landscape.
Black Ops 7 Beta: A Glimmer of Hope
The recent Black Ops 7 multiplayer beta introduced a bold, yet seemingly simple, innovation: “open” playlists. These playlists explicitly stated that they would factor in skill “minimally.” The response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Players reported faster matchmaking times, lower ping (a crucial factor for smooth online play), and, most importantly, lobbies populated by a genuine mix of skill levels. Imagine the sheer audacity: playing a Call of Duty match where you might encounter a newcomer fumbling with their controls and a professional-grade sharpshooter in the same game! It`s almost as if games are supposed to be unpredictable and, dare we say, fun.
“The feedback around these non-SBMM playlists has been pretty positive, and now Activision has said its development teams are `inspired` by the feedback from these tests, and the feedback around the beta so far in general.”
This “inspiration” from Activision’s development teams is more than just corporate niceties; it represents a potential pivot in philosophy. After years of the community vocally campaigning for a return to less restrictive matchmaking, the developers seem to have genuinely taken notice. It suggests a recognition that the core player base craves a less structured, more varied multiplayer ecosystem.
What`s Next for Call of Duty`s Matchmaking?
While Activision has yet to make a definitive official announcement regarding the permanent inclusion of these “open” playlists, the implication is clear. “Some updates to share with everyone in the coming days” sounds remarkably like good news for those yearning for a less skill-gated experience. The hope is that these playlists will not just be a beta experiment but a staple feature across future Call of Duty titles, including the upcoming Black Ops 7 and potentially even influencing Warzone.
The timing of these developments is also intriguing, coinciding with the Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 6 launch, alongside a free week-long trial for Black Ops 6, all just a day before rival FPS title Battlefield 6 makes its debut. One might cynically suggest this is a calculated move to capture attention, but for players, the motivation matters less than the outcome. If it means a better, more enjoyable game, then perhaps a dash of competitive timing is precisely what the gaming doctor ordered.
The Future of Multiplayer Engagement
The debate surrounding SBMM is not unique to Call of Duty; it`s a fundamental tension in modern online multiplayer games. Developers strive for balance and retention, while players often seek unadulterated enjoyment and genuine social interaction that arises from varied encounters. Activision`s response to the Black Ops 7 beta feedback could set a precedent for how large-scale multiplayer franchises approach community sentiment regarding core game mechanics.
If “open” playlists become a permanent fixture, it could usher in an era where players have genuine choice: the option to engage in tightly matched, high-tension competitive play, or to simply jump into a more relaxed, unpredictable environment. For a franchise that prides itself on delivering diverse experiences, offering this choice might just be the most skill-based decision Activision has made in years.
