When Treyarch announced “reduced SBMM” in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, fans were quick to celebrate. After years of frustration with overly strict matchmaking, the idea of a looser system felt like a breath of fresh air. But many veteran players—especially those diving into Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies—aren’t convinced that this shift is as genuine as it sounds. Could “reduced” really just mean “rebranded”?

For years, Activision has defended skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) as a system that keeps casual players engaged. It ensures that newcomers aren’t destroyed by veterans in every match, which, in turn, helps retain more customers. Yet, this same system has driven away longtime fans who crave the thrill of unpredictable, connection-based matchmaking. According to the commentary that inspired this discussion, Treyarch’s new “open matchmaking” promises minimal skill consideration, but what does “minimal” really mean? Without transparency, skepticism is justified.

The fear is that “reduced SBMM” could simply be a temporary PR move—introduced to win back players lost to competing shooters like Battlefield 6. Activision’s decision to suddenly “listen” to feedback after years of silence seems suspiciously aligned with declining market dominance. The company has the data, the psychologists, and the financial incentives to manipulate player retention systems subtly.

Even if the current system feels looser, there’s little to stop Activision from quietly reactivating tighter SBMM once the player base stabilizes. After all, these algorithms directly boost in-game spending. Players tend to buy more skins and bundles when they’re performing just well enough to feel rewarded, but not so well that matches feel effortless.

In short, Treyarch’s recent responsiveness is refreshing—but it may not be altruistic. It’s a survival strategy. The true test will come months after launch, when the hype fades and the data starts rolling in. If Black Ops 7 continues to sell, players must watch closely for subtle tweaks that tighten matchmaking again.

Until then, the best move for players is to stay critical, share honest feedback, and support transparency in the community. Black Ops 7 could mark a turning point for Call of Duty—but only if fans hold Activision accountable and refuse to accept half-measures disguised as major reforms.

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