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Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will very soon offer three different matchmaking systems, and you’d be right to be confused
Activision is rolling out a third matchmaking system for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, adding to the two already in place and prompting confusion among players about which option best suits them. The new system, launched today with Season 5, is "inspired by" the recently released PlayStation ports of the original Black Ops and Black Ops 2, and applies to the Quick Play, Party Games and Black Ops Classic playlists.
Black Ops 7 already runs a standard matchmaking system alongside an "Open" option introduced before launch, which uses "minimal skill consideration" in response to long-running community complaints about skill-based matchmaking. Activision has not clarified how the new system differs from Open, and Eurogamer says it has asked for details. The publisher also confirmed that August's Modern Warfare 4 beta will offer both standard and Open matchmaking, suggesting the full game will follow suit, amid renewed interest in classic Call of Duty following the permanent addition of a Black Ops 1&2-inspired Classic mode.
In short
- Black Ops 7 gains a third matchmaking system alongside standard and Open options
- New system is inspired by Black Ops 1&2's PlayStation ports
- Activision hasn't explained how it differs from existing "Open" matchmaking
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Players have diverse preferences and skill levels; offering multiple matchmaking options allows each to find a suited experience. Casual players can choose systems with minimal skill consideration to play without frustration, whilst competitive players select skill-based matching for appropriately challenging opponents. This respects player autonomy and enables the game to serve diverse communities, particularly when catering to both long-time fans of older titles and newer players.
The case against
Multiple overlapping matchmaking systems create confusion rather than choice, especially when their differences are unexplained. A fragmented player base can harm matchmaking quality, and players selecting the wrong option face unfair experiences. A single, well-designed system balancing casual accessibility with competitive integrity would provide superior clarity, fairer outcomes and a more cohesive community.
Explained simply
Call of Duty is one of the world's most popular video game franchises, known for its competitive online multiplayer modes. Matchmaking is the system that pairs players together in matches, and different approaches can dramatically affect how enjoyable the experience is.
For years, Black Ops 7 has used skill-based matchmaking, which aims to pair similarly skilled players against each other. However, many players complained this made matches too competitive and exhausting, leading Activision to introduce an alternative "Open" system that prioritises lighter competition.
With a third matchmaking option now available, players are uncertain which system best suits their needs, especially as Activision has not clearly explained how the new choice differs from the existing ones.
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