Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to receive a significant multiplayer update with the arrival of Season 5 on July 23. Alongside new content, the season will introduce a "classic" matchmaking system designed to evoke the feel of earlier Call of Duty games, addressing a long-standing community discussion point.
For years, Call of Duty's matchmaking has been a subject of debate, with many titles leaning heavily on skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). Black Ops 7 initially diverged from this trend with its "Open" playlists, which Activision stated involved minimal skill consideration, aiming for a closer resemblance to older games' systems. Now, the publisher is further refining this approach with a new system described as "inspired by the classic matchmaking of past games."
This new matchmaking formula will be implemented across Black Ops 7's Black Ops Classic, Quick Play, and Party Games playlists. The existing Open playlist will continue to operate alongside these changes. While Activision has not detailed the specific differences between the Open and Classic systems, the new approach is expected to move further away from the stringent SBMM seen in recent years.
Activision cited community feedback and player data as key drivers for this evolution. "Over the past year, we've continued to learn a lot about multiplayer matchmaking through player data and community feedback," the publisher announced on social media. The company also noted the positive reception to Black Ops 1 and Black Ops 2, suggesting that player appreciation for elements of those older experiences influenced this decision.
The success of recent ports for Black Ops 1 and Black Ops 2 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 may have bolstered Activision's confidence in returning to more traditional matchmaking styles. Furthermore, the upcoming Modern Warfare 4 beta will feature Open playlist options, which are anticipated to offer a matchmaking experience similar to Black Ops 7's current Open playlists. Should the new system prove popular in Black Ops 7's Season 5, it could potentially influence the matchmaking approach for Modern Warfare 4.
Season 5 for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will also include a new battle pass featuring two new weapons and a popular operator character from previous Black Ops titles. A new multiplayer map, set within a pinball machine themed after the Nuketown map, will also be added. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled for release on October 23 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Switch 2, and PC.