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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4’s beta will have low-SBMM playlists, as Activision continues to ‘learn a lot about multiplayer matchmaking’
Activision has confirmed that the upcoming beta for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will include low-skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) playlists, as the publisher continues experimenting with how multiplayer matches are put together. Skill-based matchmaking has long been a contentious topic within the Call of Duty community, with many players arguing it makes matches feel overly tight and unpredictable rather than casual, so offering a lower-SBMM option is likely aimed at addressing that criticism ahead of the game's full release.
Full details of the article were not available for review, but the headline indicates Activision described the move as part of an ongoing effort to "learn a lot about multiplayer matchmaking", suggesting the beta will serve as a testing ground for different matchmaking approaches. This follows a pattern in recent Call of Duty titles, where developers have periodically adjusted or offered alternatives to SBMM in response to community feedback.
In short
- Modern Warfare 4 beta to include low-SBMM playlists
- Activision says it's still learning about matchmaking
- Move likely responds to long-running SBMM community complaints
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Skill-based matchmaking ensures fair competition where all players face appropriately matched opponents, protecting newer players from being repeatedly overwhelmed by veterans whilst providing experienced players with genuinely challenging competition. This creates an equitable environment where progression feels earned and meaningful rather than determined by chance matchmaking.
The case against
Many players value casual gaming over relentless competitive intensity, and strict skill-based matchmaking transforms relaxing play into exhausting, 'sweaty' matches where every opponent feels equally matched. The variety and unpredictability of mixed-skill lobbies create more memorable moments and genuine learning opportunities than rigidly balanced competition, whilst giving players the psychological freedom to occasionally dominate or struggle as part of the natural gaming experience.
Explained simply
Skill-based matchmaking, or SBMM, is a system Call of Duty uses to pair players in online multiplayer matches based on ability level. The aim is to create competitive games where players face opponents of similar skill rather than being significantly mismatched.
For several years, many Call of Duty players have criticised strong SBMM systems, arguing they make matches feel exhaustingly competitive and leave little room for casual gameplay. Players say that constantly facing similarly skilled opponents prevents them from relaxing, experimenting with friends, or having fun without intense competition.
Activision has responded to such concerns by exploring different matchmaking approaches in recent titles. These experiments reflect the difficulty of balancing competitive matches with the desire for more relaxed, casual gaming experiences.
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