When the Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7 beta launched Classic Matchmaking Returns, players were thrown into familiar territory: sweaty competitive lobbies, teammates quitting, and every match feeling high stakes. But halfway through the test phase, something shifted. Developer Treyarch made a bold move by introducing an “Open Moshpit” playlist with minimal skill based matchmaking (SBMM) and teasing the long awaited return of persistent lobbies that keep players together after matches.
These changes sparked major discussion in the community. Below, we break down what they mean, how they’ll impact your multiplayer experience, and why this could be the most player friendly shift in years.
What changed in the beta: Open Moshpit and looser matchmaking
The Open Moshpit playlist marked a major change from the usual matchmaking system. Unlike standard multiplayer queues that heavily rely on SBMM, Open Moshpit drastically reduced the emphasis on player skill. Treyarch described it as offering “wider skill spread, more lopsided games possible, and less predictable outcomes.”
In simpler terms, it feels like classic Call of Duty matchmaking, where the priority is connection and availability rather than skill parity. For many players, it brought back memories of older CoD titles when you could jump into matches that felt unpredictable and fun instead of carefully curated and competitive.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many noted that calibrating SBMM from a lower starting point made the experience more relaxed and dynamic. The developers took notice, stating in the beta notes: “At launch, Open Matchmaking with minimal skill consideration will be the default for Black Ops 7 multiplayer.”
Persistent lobbies: staying with your squad or rivals
Another fan favorite feature making a comeback is persistent lobbies. In recent CoD titles, each match ended with the lobby automatically disbanding, forcing players to queue again even if they wanted to play with the same group. Treyarch addressed this frustration head on, confirming that lobbies will now remain intact from match to match.
In their own words: “We’ve heard the community discussion … we’re focused on keeping players together from match to match more often.” News outlets echoed the excitement, confirming that disbanding lobbies are gone for good. This small but meaningful tweak makes it easier to keep playing with friends or rematch against rival teams, adding a social layer that many players missed.
Why these changes matter for casual and mixed skill players
Improved connection and faster queue times
One downside of strict SBMM is that matchmaking prioritizes skill over server quality, sometimes leading to higher latency or slower queues. A looser system widens the available player pool, resulting in faster matches and better connections overall. Treyarch emphasized that prioritizing “connection vs. skill” is key to improving player experience.
More variety in matches
Strict SBMM can create repetitive experiences where you’re constantly placed in equally skilled lobbies, leading to fatigue. With minimal SBMM, the mix of opponents feels more natural—some games you dominate, others you’re challenged, but every session feels unique. This unpredictability is what made classic CoD gameplay so engaging.
Better social experience
Persistent lobbies encourage interaction and community building. You can continue playing with the same group of friends or rivals without being shuffled into a new lobby after each match. That sense of continuity helps make multiplayer feel more personal and connected.
Casual friendly balance
Not every player wants a sweaty, ultra competitive experience. For those who log in just to have fun with friends or experiment with loadouts, Open Matchmaking provides a relaxed environment. At launch, this will be the default setting, ensuring that casual players don’t have to fight against pro level opponents every game.
What to expect moving forward
Players can expect two types of matchmaking options in Black Ops 7:
- Moshpit: Standard matchmaking with skill based balancing.
- Open Moshpit: Looser matchmaking with wider skill variety.
However, looser SBMM comes with potential trade offs. Expect more mismatched lobbies—sometimes you’ll crush opponents, other times you’ll be outclassed. Treyarch acknowledged this, stating that it “will not prevent lopsided teams or guarantee balanced experiences for mixed skill parties.”
Over time, the system will likely evolve based on player feedback, connection data, and gameplay statistics. Treyarch has promised to share more details after the game’s full release.
What this means for the future of Call of Duty
The decision to reduce SBMM and reintroduce persistent lobbies could represent a turning point for the franchise. For years, players have debated whether SBMM improved or worsened the experience. By loosening matchmaking rules and restoring the social feel of older CoD titles, Treyarch may have struck the right balance between fairness and fun.
If these features hold strong at launch and maintain stable player satisfaction, Black Ops 7 could redefine how multiplayer matchmaking is handled—not just for Call of Duty, but for the entire FPS genre.
FAQs Classic Matchmaking Returns
What is skill based matchmaking (SBMM)?
SBMM is a system that matches players of similar skill levels to create balanced, competitive games.
Will SBMM be completely removed in Black Ops 7?
No, it won’t be removed entirely. The default mode will have minimal skill consideration, offering a much looser matchmaking experience.
What are persistent lobbies in Black Ops 7?
Persistent lobbies let players stay in the same group across multiple matches, allowing you to continue playing with friends or rivals without re queuing.
Does the new matchmaking apply to ranked modes?
These updates only affect public multiplayer. Ranked and competitive modes will likely retain stricter SBMM systems.
Which playlist should I choose for my playstyle?
If you prefer balanced, even matches, go for standard playlists. For a more chaotic and nostalgic experience, try Open Moshpit for looser matchmaking and faster games.
