Treyarch Responds to Claims There is Still SBMM in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

Call of Duty is a behemoth. It’s the kind of franchise that can launch a game and have millions of players instantly, all ready to grind, compete, and, let’s be honest, complain. And the latest installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, is no different. Except, maybe, the complaining is a little louder this time. The central issue? Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM). For those unfamiliar, SBMM is a system designed to pair players of similar skill levels in online matches. Sounds good in theory, right? But in practice, many players feel it stifles casual play, turning every match into a sweat-fest. (I remember the good old days when you could just jump on and mess around without feeling like you were in a tournament final!)

The controversy surrounding SBMM in Call of Duty is nothing new. It’s been a hot topic for years, with players arguing about its impact on the overall experience. Some claim it makes the game less enjoyable for casual players who just want to relax and have fun, while others argue that it creates a more competitive and balanced environment. And with the release of Black Ops 7, the debate has reignited, fueled by anecdotal evidence and passionate forum discussions. You can practically feel the tension radiating from the Reddit threads. One player even wrote a lengthy post detailing how he felt like he was “auditioning for the CDL” every time he played!

So, where does Treyarch, the developer behind Black Ops 7, stand on all of this? Well, they’ve finally responded. In a statement released earlier this week, Treyarch addressed the ongoing concerns about SBMM. But did they confirm its existence? Did they promise changes? That’s what everyone wants to know.

Treyarch’s Official Statement: Addressing the SBMM Concerns

The statement from Treyarch was carefully worded, as you might expect. They acknowledged the community’s feedback regarding SBMM in Black Ops 7, emphasizing that they are constantly monitoring player data and looking for ways to improve the matchmaking experience. However, they stopped short of explicitly confirming or denying the presence of a strict SBMM system.

Instead, they focused on the complexity of matchmaking, highlighting the various factors that influence how players are matched together. These factors include connection quality (ping), geographic location, game mode preference, and, yes, player skill. A representative stated, “Our goal is to create fair and enjoyable matches for all players, and that requires balancing a number of different considerations.” So, basically, they’re saying it’s complicated. Which, let’s be real, it probably is. Trying to make millions of people happy at once? Good luck with that!

“We understand the concerns some players have expressed about the matchmaking process,” the statement continued. “We want to assure you that we are listening and will continue to iterate on the system based on community feedback and data analysis.” This suggests that while they may not be ready to completely overhaul the matchmaking system, they are open to making adjustments. Maybe there’s hope for us casuals yet.

The Community Reacts: Skepticism and Hope

Unsurprisingly, the community’s reaction to Treyarch’s statement has been mixed. Some players are skeptical, pointing to their own experiences in the game as evidence that SBMM is still a major factor. “I’m consistently being matched against players who are clearly far more skilled than me,” one player wrote on Twitter. “It’s not fun. It’s just frustrating.”

Others are more optimistic, hoping that Treyarch’s willingness to “iterate” on the system will lead to meaningful changes. “I’m glad they’re at least acknowledging the issue,” another player commented. “Hopefully, they’ll find a way to make the matchmaking more balanced for everyone.”

And then there are those, like my friend Mark, who just want to play with their friends without getting stomped every game. “I just want to chill with my buddies and have a good time,” he told me over Discord. “Is that too much to ask?” (Honestly, Mark, I feel you.)

The truth is, the SBMM debate is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. It’s a complex issue with no easy solutions. But Treyarch’s response, however vague, at least suggests that they are aware of the community’s concerns and are willing to consider making changes.

The Argument for SBMM: A Necessary Evil?

While many players dislike SBMM, it’s important to consider the arguments in its favor. Proponents of SBMM argue that it creates a more level playing field, preventing new or less skilled players from being constantly dominated by experienced veterans. This, in turn, can lead to a more positive and inclusive gaming experience for everyone.

Think about it: if you’re brand new to a game and you’re constantly getting destroyed by highly skilled players, you’re probably not going to stick around for very long. SBMM can help to mitigate this by pairing you with players of similar skill, giving you a chance to learn and improve without feeling completely overwhelmed.

Furthermore, SBMM can also help to reduce the likelihood of cheating and toxicity. By matching players of similar skill, it reduces the incentive for players to use unfair advantages or engage in abusive behavior. (Although, let’s be honest, some people are just going to be toxic no matter what.)

The Case Against SBMM: Stifling Casual Play

On the other hand, the arguments against SBMM are equally compelling. Critics argue that it turns every match into a high-stakes competition, eliminating the opportunity for casual, relaxed gameplay. They claim that it punishes players for improving their skills, as they are constantly being matched against increasingly difficult opponents.

This can lead to a feeling of burnout and frustration, especially for players who just want to unwind after a long day. As one player put it, “I don’t want to have to tryhard every single game. Sometimes I just want to mess around and have fun.”

Moreover, SBMM can also negatively impact the social aspect of gaming. When players are constantly being matched against equally skilled opponents, it can be difficult to play with friends who are at different skill levels. This can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion. (Been there, felt that, trust me.)

Here’s a quick rundown of the key arguments:

• Pros of SBMM:
  • Creates a more level playing field
  • Reduces cheating and toxicity
  • Encourages new players to stick around
• Cons of SBMM:
  • Eliminates casual gameplay
  • Punishes players for improving
  • Negatively impacts social play

Potential Solutions: Finding a Balance

So, is there a middle ground? Can SBMM be implemented in a way that satisfies both competitive and casual players? Some suggestions have been put forward by the community.

One idea is to offer a ranked and unranked playlist. The ranked playlist would use a strict SBMM system, providing a competitive environment for players who want to test their skills. The unranked playlist, on the other hand, would have a looser matchmaking system, prioritizing connection quality and player preference over skill.

Another suggestion is to implement a more dynamic SBMM system that adjusts based on player performance over time. This would allow players to have some easier matches after a string of losses, preventing them from getting stuck in a cycle of frustration. (That sounds pretty good, actually.)

A third possibility is to introduce a “social” playlist that prioritizes matching players with their friends, regardless of skill level. This would allow players to enjoy the game together without having to worry about getting stomped by more skilled opponents.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Matchmaking in Call of Duty

The SBMM debate is likely to continue for as long as Call of Duty exists. It’s a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, by listening to community feedback and experimenting with different matchmaking systems, Treyarch can hopefully find a balance that satisfies the majority of players.

In the meantime, the community will continue to voice their opinions, share their experiences, and, yes, complain. After all, that’s what Call of Duty players do. (And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.) The passion, the debates, the shared love (and frustration) with the game – it’s all part of what makes the Call of Duty community so unique.

Ultimately, the success of Black Ops 7, and future Call of Duty titles, will depend on Treyarch’s ability to create a game that is both competitive and enjoyable for all players. It’s a tall order, but one that they must strive to achieve if they want to maintain their position as one of the leading developers in the industry. And perhaps, just perhaps, find a way to make Mark happy.

Treyarch’s response to the SBMM claims, while not a definitive solution, shows they’re aware and, hopefully, working towards a better experience for all. Only time will tell if they succeed. In the meantime, I’ll be practicing my aim, just in case.