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Call of Duty dropping SBMM in favor of system ‘inspired by classic games’ for BO7, and hopefully MW4, too
Activision has confirmed it is scaling back skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in Call of Duty, introducing a new system inspired by the classic Black Ops matchmaking style for Black Ops 7, with hopes of extending it to Modern Warfare 4. The change follows years of player frustration with SBMM, which many felt made every match feel like an unrelenting sweat-fest, and comes after the surprise popularity of recently released PS5 ports of the original Black Ops and Black Ops 2, which reintroduced players to less skill-weighted matchmaking.
With Black Ops 7's season five launching tomorrow, Activision will update the Black Ops Classic, Quick Play and Party Games modes with the new "classic-inspired" matchmaking, building on the existing "Open" playlist option introduced last year that already reduced SBMM's influence. The same option will also feature in the Modern Warfare 4 beta arriving in August, and Activision says it will use player feedback over the coming months to decide whether the approach carries over fully into MW4's October launch.
In short
- Activision is reducing SBMM in Call of Duty, inspired by classic Black Ops matchmaking.
- Black Ops 7's season five, launching tomorrow, gets the new system first.
- MW4's August beta will trial it too, ahead of a possible October rollout.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The introduction of classic-inspired matchmaking addresses a legitimate frustration: modern SBMM systems create an exhausting, constantly competitive environment where players cannot enjoy casual sessions. The unexpected success of Black Ops and Black Ops 2 ports demonstrates that players actively prefer less skill-weighted matchmaking, which allows for more varied, unpredictable matches and occasional victories that feel earned rather than grinding through sweat-filled competition. By relaxing SBMM's grip, Activision can restore the fun and accessibility that made Call of Duty enjoyable across skill levels, letting casual players compete without feeling perpetually outmatched whilst allowing skilled players to occasionally encounter genuine challenges.
The case against
Skill-based matchmaking serves a crucial purpose in retaining players across all skill levels by ensuring competitive fairness and maintaining engagement. Without SBMM, casual and new players face consistent defeats against experienced opponents, creating a demoralising experience that drives away the broader player base the game depends on to stay healthy. Connection-based or random matchmaking, whilst offering unpredictability, often introduces latency problems and creates frustration through unbalanced skill disparity. The health of a live-service game requires thoughtful retention strategies that keep players of all abilities invested, and abandoning SBMM risks prioritising dedicated players whilst alienating the casual majority who form the foundation of any successful multiplayer community.
Explained simply
Call of Duty games use a system called skill-based matchmaking that pairs players against opponents of similar ability. Many players have found this approach exhausting, as every match becomes highly competitive rather than offering casual, relaxing gameplay.
Recently, reissued versions of older Call of Duty games proved popular with players, partly because they used simpler matchmaking that was less strictly based on skill. Activision is now adopting a similar approach for its newer games, moving away from the current system that many players found frustrating.
This decision reflects a major gaming company responding to sustained player feedback. The shift could reshape how Call of Duty feels to play and may influence how other online games approach matching players of different abilities.
Call of Duty Entertainment Gaming