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CoD BO7 SBMM Controversy Explained | Is This Mechanism Still In The Game?

Although CoD BO7 has stated that the game's multiplayer and other game modes use an open matchmaking system instead of the SBMM system, the long-standing lack of transparency in game data has led players to distrust this information.

Dec 03, 2025 Author: EZG

With the release of Call of Duty Black Ops 7, the news that the game might exist SBMM mechanism has once again sparked discussions among players. Despite the developers' insistence that the game uses an open matchmaking system, widespread player skepticism has kept the debate escalating.

This system exists in several games, but it has received particular attention in Call of Duty series. If you're also curious about the origins of this controversy and why this system has caused such debate, then read on.

CoD BO7 SBMM Controversy Explained | Is This Mechanism Still In The Game?

What Is SBMM?

Skill-based matchmaking, also abbreviated as SBMM, is a multiplayer game mechanic designed to match players of similar skill levels together.

Unlike traditional open matchmaking systems that prioritize random matchmaking, SBMM analyzes factors such as win rate, kill/death ratio, and overall performance to create matchmaking rooms.

This system isn't unique to Call of Duty series. Many popular games also use Skill-based matchmaking.

This mechanism was also used in the casual mode of early Call of Duty titles, such as Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare and Black Ops. The game largely disregards player skill level, making match results unpredictable, but allowing players of all skill levels to participate, often resulting in enjoyable gameplay.

Why Has SBMM Mechanism Sparked Player Attention And Discussion?

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding SBMM mechanism stems from the conflict between players' expectations and needs regarding the game experience.

Supporters' Views

Players who support this mechanism believe SBMM is an indispensable part of multiplayer modes, balancing the game and ensuring fairness and competitiveness.

Under this mechanism, players of similar skill levels can hone their skills and gradually improve through intense competition.

Casual players won't be overwhelmed by highly skilled players; they'll feel a sense of progress when facing opponents of similar skill levels. And in any game, top players are a minority; they cannot monopolize the game, leading to feelings of being left out.

Skill-based matchmaking mechanism helps new players gradually adapt to the game environment and invest more time and effort in the game.

With this mechanism, new players won't be easily overwhelmed by experienced players in their early stages, thus increasing the likelihood of retaining new players and encouraging them to try out the game mechanics and content.

From this perspective alone, SBMM mechanism is extremely helpful to both the game and its participants, as it can improve player retention and provide players with a better gaming experience.

Opponents' Views

Opposing players argue that this mechanism robs the game of its casual enjoyment.

Playing games is meant to be a time for relaxation, but SBMM makes each match feel like a high-stakes battle. Players cannot relax, enjoy the game, or experiment with different equipment combinations. Instead, they are forced to repeatedly chase the outcome.

Even more frustrating is that this mechanism matches skilled players with equally skilled opponents, but players cannot be certain of their ability to defeat them.

This results in a rollercoaster-like fluctuation in the outcome of matches, with no one able to predict the result of the next game.

Many veteran players believe it's unreasonable to face stronger opponents simply because of past performances. Refusing to face this situation means constantly failing in the game, but not all players are willing to accept this approach.

The Cause Of The Issue

Although previous patch notes mentioned Open Matchmaking as the default matchmaking mechanism in CoD Black Ops 7 Multiplayer, players clearly don't fully trust this claim because of the numerous uses of SBMM in previous CoD games.

Furthermore, many players reported that the matchmaking system still groups players of similar skill levels together.

This reignited discussions about the mechanism and deepened player distrust of the game.

Developer's Response

Because of the widespread discussion surrounding this mechanism, the developers of CoD Black Ops 7 recently responded. Their response directly stated that all Open Playlists in the game use open matchmaking and Persistent Lobbies mode.

This means that regardless of when or where players enter Multiplayer mode, Co-op Campaign mode, or CoD Black Ops 7 bot lobbies, the players they are matched with are completely random, unaffected by other factors.

However, players don't entirely accept this claim. Some players argue that they need more raw and transparent data to verify the developers' statements. Furthermore, the developers need to provide more specific and detailed explanations of the changes made from SBMM mechanism in CoD BO6 to the open matchmaking system in Black Ops 7.

These controversies surrounding SBMM mechanism in CoD Black Ops 7 highlight the divergence between the game developers' and players' expectations.

Despite the developers' statements that they have adopted an open matchmaking system, the past decision to use SBMM system in several Call of Duty games and the lack of data transparency in the games have made it difficult for players to trust the studio's assurances.

With the continuous updates to CoD Black Ops 7, the player community's demand for a clear and fair matchmaking system remains unmet.

Currently, this debate still continues. What changes CoD Black Ops 7 needs to make to regain players' trust is a question the developers should seriously consider.

    CoD: Black Ops 7

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