Black Ops 7 Players Are Surprisingly Choosing Strict SBMM — Here’s Why

Black Ops 7 Players Prefer Strict SBMM More Than Ever

Call of Duty fans have debated Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) for years — calling it restrictive, stressful, and unfair to high-skill players. But in a surprising Season 1 update, Treyarch confirmed that more players are choosing to queue into strict SBMM when given the option in Black Ops 7.

🎮 What Changed With Black Ops 7’s Matchmaking?

To address ongoing matchmaking complaints, Black Ops 7 introduced two different multiplayer systems:

Open Matchmaking – Skill is only a minor factor; mixed-skill lobbies
Standard Moshpit – Strict SBMM filters players into similar-skill matches

This gave players the freedom to choose what style of multiplayer they wanted — either more casual, chaotic play… or consistent, competitive fights.

📈 SBMM Playlists Are Becoming More Popular

In the official Season 1 notes, Treyarch revealed that Standard Moshpit engagement keeps rising. With so many players selecting the stricter playlist:

Standard Moshpit is being highlighted in the Featured tab
It will appear more prominently in the multiplayer menu
It’s positioned as the option for players who want fairer skill balance

Meanwhile, Open Matchmaking is still available across most playlists — including the new Season 1 Moshpit — but it won’t be as front-and-center.

🤔 Why Are Players Choosing SBMM?

Despite the community’s loud opposition to SBMM for years, player behavior tells a different story. Here are the biggest reasons:

Fairer matchups: Many players struggle in Open Matchmaking’s wide skill range and choose tighter balance instead
Name confusion: “Standard Playlist” sounds like the normal default, causing casual players to click it without realizing it’s strict SBMM
Predictable gameplay: Some players prefer fewer stomps and fewer lopsided matches on either side

Simply put — the casual majority wants competition that feels even, not sweaty lobbies or steamrolls.

🔮 What This Means for the Future of Call of Duty

Some fans worry this momentum signals the slow disappearance of relaxed matchmaking, predicting strict SBMM will eventually take over most playlists. For now:

Open Matchmaking remains in Featured
Warzone will default to Open Matchmaking for non-Casual modes
Treyarch is still offering both experiences — just spotlighting the competitive one more clearly

As Season 1 continues, player behavior may decide which system becomes the true standard.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Players have shouted about removing SBMM for years — but when given the choice, they’re gravitating toward it. Whether it’s clarity, comfort, or competitiveness, Black Ops 7’s data shows that most players want to battle against opponents who feel like equals.

The real question now: Will Open Matchmaking survive long-term?