Call of Duty Matchmaking Debate: SBMM vs Open Play in Modern Warfare 4
The Call of Duty franchise has been locked in a years‑long conversation about how matches are formed online. With Modern Warfare 4 now on the market and Black Ops 7 having introduced an open‑queue option, players are questioning whether skill‑based matchmaking (SBMM) still serves the community or if a more open approach is needed to keep the experience fresh.
The Evolution of Skill‑Based Matchmaking in Call of Duty
Since the original Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in 2007, Activision has gradually refined its matchmaking algorithms. Early titles relied on simple skill tiers, but the 2019 reboot tightened SBMM to reduce wait times and improve match consistency. The result has been a mixed reception: many appreciate tighter competition, while others complain about sudden jumps in difficulty that feel like “whiplash” from one game to the next.
