3 min read
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has been out for only a few days, yet the game is already facing several controversies. The latest one centres on the Treyarch skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), a topic that has divided the Call of Duty community for years. Before launch, Activision announced that Black Ops 7 would dial down SBMM to win back fan trust. However, players now believe the feature is still active behind the scenes.
Treyarch Issues Official Clarification
Treyarch stepped in on social media to address the growing concerns. The studio acknowledged that fans have been discussing multiplayer matchmaking and assured players of a few key details.
According to Treyarch, all Open Playlists use Open Matchmaking. They also feature Persistent Lobbies, and the system minimally considers skill. Treyarch added that it remains committed to this approach.
The studio stated that Quick Play also uses the same Open Matchmaking system. Therefore, skill is minimally considered in Quick Play as well. Treyarch noted that the combination of Quick Play and Persistent Lobbies is new, and the team is monitoring these interactions to improve them over time.
Treyarch also confirmed that a fix has been deployed for a Quick Play bug. Players had reported that their playlist selections were being overridden. The update should now ensure smoother matchmaking.
We’ve been keeping an eye on Multiplayer matchmaking conversations and want to assure everyone of a few things:
➡️ All of our Open Playlists use Open Matchmaking and Persistent Lobbies and we remain committed to that approach.
➡️ Quick Play uses the same Open Matchmaking, where…
— Treyarch (@Treyarch) November 16, 2025
Growing Fan Concerns and Rising Tensions
Black Ops 7 launched with excitement, but players quickly raised questions about whether SBMM had truly been removed. Although Treyarch insists the game uses minimal skill consideration, many fans remain unconvinced. Some believe SBMM has been quietly reintroduced despite earlier promises.
The controversy comes on top of other early issues. Fans recently discovered that AI was used during the game’s development. The campaign has also faced criticism, leading to review bombing. Even so, the multiplayer experience has received praise. Players appreciate the maps, game modes, and overall content. The Zombies mode has also earned positive reactions, though not everyone agrees.
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Next Big Update Arrives on November 20
Black Ops 7 follows a live-service model, which means the experience will continue to evolve. The next major update is scheduled for November 20, and it will introduce Nuketown, one of the franchise’s most iconic maps.
For now, fans are waiting to see whether Treyarch’s statement will calm the SBMM debate or fuel it further. The matchmaking conversation is far from over, and the community continues to watch for changes.
