Treyarch Pushes Back on Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 SBMM Holiday Claims

🎮 Multiplayer Matchmaking Clarified

Recent discussion around Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has centered on its skill-based matchmaking system, with some players speculating that matchmaking behavior was altered during the holiday period. These claims quickly gained traction as players shared anecdotal experiences suggesting more uneven matches during peak seasonal traffic.

Treyarch moved to address the situation directly, making it clear that no holiday-specific adjustments were made to the matchmaking system. According to the studio, the same underlying parameters have remained consistent since launch.

⚙️ How SBMM Works in Black Ops 7

Skill-based matchmaking is designed to pair players based on performance indicators rather than connection alone. In Black Ops 7, this includes factors such as:

Kill/death ratios over recent matches
Objective participation and consistency
Overall performance trends across playlists

The goal is to create competitive balance, but this approach has long divided the Call of Duty community. While some players appreciate evenly matched games, others feel the system removes the relaxed, casual feel that older entries offered.

🔄 Open Matchmaking and Player Reactions

In response to ongoing complaints, Treyarch previously introduced an open matchmaking option in Warzone. This alternative queue was intended to loosen skill constraints and offer a different multiplayer experience.

However, feedback was mixed:

Some players welcomed the change initially
Others felt matches lacked consistency compared to standard queues
Many eventually returned to the traditional moshpit playlists

The quick shift back suggests that, despite criticism, many players still prefer the structure of standard matchmaking systems.

📉 A Challenging Start for Black Ops 7

Matchmaking frustration is only one piece of a broader conversation around Black Ops 7’s launch. The game has faced several early hurdles, including:

Lower opening-week sales compared to the previous entry
Heavy criticism of the campaign and narrative direction
Review bombing tied to dissatisfaction with single-player content

At the same time, competition in the shooter space has intensified, putting additional pressure on the franchise to maintain player engagement.

🚀 Looking Ahead to 2026 Content

Despite the rocky start, Treyarch has plans in place to rebuild momentum. Upcoming additions are expected to include:

The introduction of Ranked Play following Season 2
New crossover cosmetics arriving with Season 1 Reloaded
Ongoing multiplayer tuning based on community feedback

These updates could play a major role in reshaping perceptions of Black Ops 7 over the coming months.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Treyarch’s response makes it clear that recent SBMM concerns are rooted more in perception than behind-the-scenes changes. While frustrations remain, the studio appears committed to transparency and long-term support. As new modes and updates roll out, Black Ops 7 still has opportunities to stabilize its player base and regain trust.