New Beta Mode Aims to Break the SBMM Mold
The ongoing Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 beta is sparking conversations beyond new maps and weapons. In a surprising shift, Treyarch revealed a new playlist designed to shake up how players are matched into games. The beta patch notes outline a mode called Open Moshpit, described as a setting where skill consideration is drastically reduced during matchmaking. The intent is simple: deliver more varied matchups and outcomes by expanding the pool of potential opponents beyond a tight, skill-based bracket.
What Open Moshpit Means for Players
Open Moshpit represents a deliberate departure from traditional SBMM practices that have long governed Call of Duty multiplayer. By lowering the weight given to skill metrics, the system can pair players with a wider range of abilities. The effect, according to Treyarch, should be matches that feel less algorithm-driven and more dynamic: you may face competitors you wouldn’t normally encounter in the standard matchmaking pool, and your own performance could translate into different, less predictable results.
For the broader community, this opens up a debate about whether SBMM makes games feel too homogenized. Proponents argue that skill-based constraints help keep games competitive and fair, especially at higher skill thresholds. Critics counter that the experience can become stale when players repeatedly encounter similarly ranked opponents. Open Moshpit is a testing ground to gauge whether a more diverse matchmaking experience resonates with more players during the beta window.
Two Playlists, One Experimental Path
The beta introduces two playlists: Moshpit and Open Moshpit. The standard Moshpit continues as a familiar, high-energy variety pack where players can jump into a variety of modes and maps with standard SBMM considerations in place. Open Moshpit, however, lowers skill sensitivity, inviting players into matches with greater skill disparity. Treyarch stresses that this is an ongoing test, with player feedback guiding adjustments as the beta runs its course.
What Could This Change Mean for Performance and Experience?
In practice, players may notice more erratic matchups in Open Moshpit. This could mean shorter or longer wait times for specific queues depending on population and the degree of skill dispersion the system currently allows. Some players might find success against a wider range of opponents, while others may struggle against unfamiliar play styles found in a broader skill spectrum. The beta’s purpose is to observe how players adapt to these shifts and whether overall engagement increases as a result.
Community Response and Next Steps
As with any major change, sentiment is split. Veteran players who pride themselves on precise mechanics and consistent challenge may prefer the traditional, tighter SBMM approach. New or more casual players could welcome the chance to experience more varied matchmaking that exposes them to different tactics and strategies. The development team has invited ongoing feedback throughout the beta, signaling a willingness to iterate before the game’s launch window.
Engagement and Feedback: We Want Your Take
KitGuru and other outlets are encouraging players to test both playlists and report their observations. Do you notice a tangible difference in match variety, pacing, or perceived fairness between Moshpit and Open Moshpit? Are you able to adapt to a broader range of opponents, or do you miss the predictability of traditional SBMM? Share your experiences so developers can gauge whether to widen, tweak, or retire this approach before the final release.
Bottom Line
Black Ops 7’s beta is testing a bold shift away from rigid skill-based matchmaking with the Open Moshpit mode. While it remains to be seen how this will affect long-term balance and player satisfaction, the experiment underscores Treyarch’s willingness to rethink core matchmaking mechanics in pursuit of a more varied and potentially more engaging multiplayer experience. Stay tuned for updates as the beta progresses and players submit their feedback on this first-of-its-kind playlist.
