Activision Responds to Player Demands with Open Matchmaking in Black Ops 7
2025-10-09
Image credit: Photo by Ismail Abdulla on Unsplash
TL;DR
Activision has announced a significant shift for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, launching with reduced Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) and persistent lobbies. This decision aims to create a more casual and enjoyable gaming environment, responding to long-standing player feedback.
What Happened
In a notable move aimed at enhancing player experience, Activision confirmed that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will feature open matchmaking with minimal skill consideration as the default setting at launch. This update marks a strategic shift away from the previously criticized SBMM, which many players felt restricted their enjoyment of the game. The community has expressed overwhelming support for the changes to SBMM and persistent lobbies, with players engaging in discussions on forums and social media platforms to celebrate the decision to foster a more accessible multiplayer experience where skill does not dictate match outcomes, as highlighted by Destructoid.
Why It Matters
The integration of open matchmaking and persistent lobbies reflects Activision's responsiveness to player feedback rather than a broader industry trend. Players have increasingly expressed their desire for a relaxed gaming atmosphere, emphasizing the need for enjoyment over skill in match outcomes. This shift is crucial for Call of Duty as it seeks to balance competitive integrity with user satisfaction. Activision's changes signal a potential reevaluation of player priorities, further emphasizing what some are calling "unprecedented developer transparency" in addressing community needs. Specific actions or statements from Activision that exemplify this transparency include the commitment to open matchmaking, which should be highlighted to support this narrative.
Details
At launch, Black Ops 7 will reduce SBMM, allowing for a more casual matchmaking environment that players have long advocated for. The introduction of persistent lobbies is another feature confirmed to enhance community engagement and continuity during gameplay, as noted by GamesRadar. Although details regarding the specific changes to aim assist and how they will impact gameplay remain unclear, they are expected to contribute to a more accessible gaming experience. Furthermore, there is currently no information on how these changes will affect competitive play or if options will remain for players who prefer traditional SBMM. This announcement aligns with the broader industry trend of developers listening closely to community feedback, but the lack of clarity on competitive implications leaves some questions unanswered.
Official Quotes
An Activision representative confirmed the shift, stating, "At launch, Open Matchmaking with minimal skill consideration will be the default" (GamesRadar). This quote encapsulates the company's strategic pivot toward a more player-centric approach, reinforcing their commitment to addressing community concerns.
What’s Next
As the release date approaches, players are eagerly awaiting further details on how the aim assist changes will function and their potential impact on gameplay. Additionally, clarity is needed on how these alterations will affect competitive play and whether there will be options for players who prefer traditional SBMM. Activision's willingness to adapt and innovate in response to player feedback sets a promising precedent for the future of Call of Duty and could serve as a model for other developers in the industry. As the community prepares for the launch, one thing is clear: player voices are becoming increasingly influential in shaping the gaming experiences they cherish.