Treyarch has officially announced that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will launch with an open matchmaking system by default, eliminating traditional Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) from its core multiplayer playlists. The developer shared the news via social media, confirming that “Open Matchmaking with minimal skill consideration will be the default matchmaking for #BlackOps7 MP.” The studio emphasized its commitment to providing a “more varied experience,” noting that the recent beta served as a valuable testing ground for this approach.
This revelation marks a major shift for the Call of Duty series, which has relied heavily on SBMM systems for nearly a decade. SBMM has long been one of the franchise’s most divisive features, with many players arguing that it made public matches excessively competitive. By relaxing skill restrictions, Treyarch aims to restore the sense of unpredictability and variety that characterized earlier entries in the franchise, allowing players to encounter a wider range of opponents and playstyles.
In a follow-up statement, Treyarch also confirmed the return of persistent lobbies, a fan-favorite feature that has been largely absent in recent installments. “We’ve heard the community discussion around lobby disbanding, and we’re focused on keeping players together from match to match more often in #BlackOps7,” the studio said. Persistent lobbies will allow players to remain in the same session after matches, encouraging social interaction, friendly rivalries, and a more cohesive online experience.
The developer further addressed ongoing discussions surrounding input balance, promising refinements to aim assist systems before launch. “It’s a priority of ours to have a fair and competitive balance across all input devices at launch,” Treyarch explained, adding that more details about potential adjustments to rotational aim assist and controller sensitivity will be shared in the coming weeks.
For years, SBMM has been one of the most contentious topics within the Call of Duty community. Critics argue that the system removes the casual aspect of multiplayer by consistently placing players into matches against others of similar skill, creating a relentless and often exhausting experience.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is being co-developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, with Activision serving as publisher. The game’s campaign takes place in the year 2035, following David Mason and his team of agents in the aftermath of Black Ops II. The title will also include the franchise’s staple multiplayer and Zombies modes. Officially unveiled during the 2025 Xbox Games Showcase, Black Ops 7 is scheduled for release on November 14, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
