Treyarch Releases Playlist Update for Black Ops 7 Beta Where SBMM Takes a Back Seat
In an unprecedented move for the Call of Duty franchise, Treyarch is finally giving players something that they have been demanding for nearly a decade. SBMM (skill-based matchmaking) is finally being addressed, and not just in a blog post, actually in-game, as a new playlist update for Black Ops 7 beta sees the matchmaking return to the “classic” Call of Duty experience.
The studio says that skills will be “minimally” considered in this new playlist option, which features all the core game modes.
Call of Duty Players Can Finally See What Modern Call of Duty Looks Like Without Heavy SBMM
After years of players expressing their feelings towards SBMM in Call of Duty, it seems that Treyarch has finally decided to be the Call of Duty Studio to make the big matchmaking changes. At least during the Black Ops 6 beta, and for a specific playlist option, as a new update has rolled out that seemingly brings the classic matchmaking experience back to Call of Duty.
“In Open Moshpit, skill consideration is drastically reduced when matchmaking, with the goal of providing more varied match experiences and outcomes. This playlist will match players with and against players of more varied skill differences than in the current Multiplayer matchmaking system.”
Shortly after sharing these updated patch notes, the studio followed up on X to say that player skills will play a minimal role in matchmaking.
Live later today: Open Mosh pit features classic matchmaking where skill is minimally considered. #BlackOps7 https://t.co/tLjyqWgSdF
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) October 4, 2025
I honestly can’t say I was expecting this, and in fact was in the middle of writing up my impression of the beta, which pointed out the aggressive SBMM. I guess I’ll need to hold off on that a little bit longer and see just how different matchmaking really is under this new playlist. Let’s hope this is the matchmaking shake-up that players have been wanting for all these years.
For those wondering, here’s what’s coming later in the updated playlists. Note, the maps and modes in both playlists are the same:
Maps
- Imprint
- Cortex
- Exposure
- The Forge
Modes
- Team Deathmatch
- Domination
- Hardpoint
- Kill Confirmed
- Overload
This should be live now for those wondering when it will be.
Stay connected to MP1st and the latest news by following us on Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Google News.
