The Call of Duty community has been buzzing since Activision dropped game-changing news about Black Ops 7’s matchmaking system. After years of frustration with skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), players finally have reason to celebrate—sort of. Here’s everything you need to know about the controversial changes arriving on November 14, 2025.
Call of Duty Short Answer: SBMM Stays, But It’s Getting Friendlier
Let’s cut through the noise: No, Call of Duty is not removing SBMM completely. However, Black Ops 7 will launch with significantly relaxed skill-based matchmaking, giving players a more casual experience at release.
What’s Changing in Black Ops 7?
| Feature | Details | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| SBMM Intensity | Minimal skill consideration (like Open Moshpit Beta) | November 14, 2025 |
| Non-Disbanding Lobbies | Players stay together match-to-match | November 14, 2025 |
| Competitive Matchmaking | Returns in post-launch update | TBA (likely weeks after) |
| Target Audience | New and returning players | Launch window |
Understanding the New System
Activision’s official statement puts it perfectly: “Imagine the matchmaking experience of Open Moshpit from the Beta, but as the standard in Black Ops 7 on day one.”
This means your first matches won’t feel like sweaty esports tournaments. Instead of constantly facing opponents of identical skill levels, you’ll encounter a wider variety of players—from newcomers to seasoned veterans. It’s the closest thing to classic CoD lobbies we’ve seen in years.
Why This Matters: For players tired of every match feeling like a ranked championship, this breathing room allows for more relaxed gameplay, experimentation with loadouts, and those satisfying high-kill games that made Call of Duty legendary.
The Catch: It’s Temporary
Here’s the reality check—this relaxed matchmaking is designed for the launch period only. Activision hasn’t committed to making it permanent. Expect an update sometime after November 14 that will adjust SBMM back toward more competitive matchmaking.
The developers view this launch period as a buffer zone, especially beneficial for brand-new players diving into their first CoD experience. It’s a smart onboarding strategy that gives everyone time to learn maps, master weapons, and find their rhythm before the competition intensifies.
Non-Disbanding Lobbies Return
Beyond SBMM changes, Black Ops 7 brings back non-disbanding lobbies—a feature the community has begged for since its removal. This means:
- Build rivalries with opponents across multiple matches
- Form temporary alliances with skilled teammates
- Experience the social dynamics that made classic CoD lobbies memorable
- No more waiting in new lobbies after every single game
This feature alone could revolutionize the multiplayer experience, bringing back the community feel that’s been missing from recent titles. For more on how this impacts competitive play, check out our Black Ops 7 multiplayer strategies guide on Technosports.
Beta Results Proved the Concept
During the Black Ops 7 beta (which concluded October 8, 2025), the Open Moshpit playlist tested this relaxed matchmaking approach. According to developers, player feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting more varied and enjoyable experiences compared to strict SBMM environments.
What About Ranked Play?
Competitive players shouldn’t worry—Black Ops 7 will still feature dedicated ranked modes where SBMM remains strong. The relaxed matchmaking applies primarily to casual playlists, maintaining a clear distinction between competitive and casual play.
For those looking to climb the competitive ladder, our Call of Duty ranked optimization tips on Technosports provide strategies to maximize your performance.
Community Reaction
The announcement has divided the community. Casual players are celebrating the chance to enjoy CoD without constant pressure, while competitive enthusiasts worry about unbalanced matches. The temporary nature of the change seems designed to satisfy both camps—casual fun at launch, competitive integrity later.
Stay updated on all matchmaking adjustments through the official Call of Duty blog where Activision posts detailed patch notes and community updates.
What’s Next?
Black Ops 7 launches November 14, 2025, giving players a month to enjoy this relaxed matchmaking window. Make the most of it—test unconventional loadouts, help new players learn the ropes, and enjoy the casual chaos that defined classic Call of Duty.
For comprehensive launch coverage, weapon tier lists, and map breakdowns, bookmark Technosports as your go-to Call of Duty resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will casual playlists always have relaxed SBMM after launch?
A: No, Activision has only confirmed relaxed SBMM for the initial launch period. They haven’t specified when or how aggressively SBMM will return, but expect matchmaking to tighten within weeks of release. The developers are monitoring player feedback and will adjust based on community response and gameplay data.
Q: Can I opt into stricter SBMM if I want more competitive matches?
A: At launch, no separate playlist is confirmed for players seeking tougher competition outside of ranked modes. However, Activision typically introduces additional playlists post-launch based on player demand. Your best bet for competitive matches at launch will be the dedicated ranked mode, which maintains traditional SBMM regardless of casual playlist changes.
