Skill-based matchmaking in Call of Duty remains a contentious topic, with Activision confirming that Modern Warfare 4 will continue refining the experimental matchmaking approach it trialled in Black Ops 7. The debate was reignited after PS5 ports of Black Ops 1 and 2 last month led players to suggest older titles had fairer matchmaking, prompting Activision to clarify that skill has always factored into CoD matchmaking, including in those earlier games. The company's willingness to publicly discuss the issue marks a shift from its historically limited communication on the subject.

Activision revealed that Black Ops 7's "Open" matchmaking playlist, which weighted skill less heavily, led to worse outcomes for most players, including a 32.7% higher quit rate and 59.2% more "Not Fun" ratings compared with standard matchmaking. Since introducing a new experimental system in season five, the company says quit rates have fallen across all skill groups, dropping 41% for more than half of players, alongside improved search times and average ping, even as top players face tougher competition. Modern Warfare 4's beta this weekend will test both the new system and the Open system to gather further data ahead of launch.