# Activision admits Call of Duty matchmaking used to be better, updates Black Ops 7 with a new system inspired by “classic games” like Black Ops 1 and 2

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/activision-admits-call-of-duty-matchmaking-used-to-be-better-updates-black-ops-7-with-a-new-system-inspired-by-classic-games-like-black-ops-1-and-2/
- Published: 2026-07-22T21:02:40+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-23T03:12:14+00:00
- Original publisher: GamesRadar+
- Original article: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/call-of-duty/activision-admits-call-of-duty-matchmaking-used-to-be-better-updates-black-ops-7-with-a-new-system-inspired-by-classic-games-like-black-ops-1-and-2/
- Topics: Entertainment, Gaming, Software, Technology

## Key points

- Activision reworks Black Ops 7 matchmaking after admitting older games were better
- New system takes cues from Black Ops 1 and 2
- Responds to years of complaints about overly skill-matched lobbies

## Summary

Activision has confirmed changes to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's matchmaking system, acknowledging that skill-based matchmaking in earlier entries offered a better player experience than more recent titles. The updated system is designed to draw on the approach used in "classic" Call of Duty games such as Black Ops 1 and Black Ops 2, marking a shift away from the more heavily skill-weighted matchmaking that has drawn sustained criticism from the community in recent years.

The change follows persistent complaints from long-time players that modern matchmaking prioritises tightly skill-matched games over variety and enjoyment, resulting in sweatier and more repetitive lobbies. By citing older Black Ops titles as its inspiration, Activision has signalled a return to matchmaking that favours broader, more varied lobbies rather than close skill-based pairings, addressing one of the community's longest-running grievances with the franchise's recent multiplayer design.

## Coverage

- [GamesRadar+: Activision admits Call of Duty matchmaking used to be better, updates Black Ops 7 with a new system inspired by “classic games” like Black Ops 1 and 2](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/call-of-duty/activision-admits-call-of-duty-matchmaking-used-to-be-better-updates-black-ops-7-with-a-new-system-inspired-by-classic-games-like-black-ops-1-and-2/)
- [GameSpot: Call Of Duty Is Introducing A New “Classic” Matchmaking System In Season 5](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-is-introducing-a-new-classic-matchmaking-system-in-season-5/)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.