Introduction: A Bold Beta Experiment
The ongoing beta for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is stirring conversation beyond balance tweaks and new maps. Treyarch is piloting a bold change to its matchmaking system, introducing a new Open Moshpit playlist where “skill consideration is drastically reduced.” The goal is simple: mix players with broader skill differences to create more varied, unpredictable, and potentially more exciting multiplayer experiences.
What Open Moshpit Changes
In the latest beta patch notes, the studio explains that Open Moshpit will function alongside the traditional Moshpit playlist. The key distinction is the level of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) applied during player placement. By dialing back skill emphasis, the Open Moshpit aims to pair players with others who may have different abilities, playstyles, and recent performance trends. In practice, this could mean encounters that feel less predictable and more dynamic, especially for players who span a wide range of experience in Call of Duty multiplayer.
Why This Matters for the Community
SBMM has long been a hot topic within the COD community. Proponents argue that it helps ensure competitive fairness by matching players of similar skill, while critics say it can lead to homogenized games where margins are slim and the thrill of spontaneous outcomes is lost. By temporarily reducing SBMM, Black Ops 7’s Open Moshpit could reintroduce curveballs in gameplay — from unusual weapon choices to unexpected map interactions — that might otherwise be smoothed out in stricter matchmaking.
However, it also raises questions about queue times and the experience for players who prefer highly competitive, evenly matched rounds. Treyarch’s approach appears exploratory: they’re inviting players to weigh in on whether this broader matchmaking spread enhances or detracts from the overall enjoyment of the beta.
What Players Might Expect in Practice
With the Open Moshpit setting, players could encounter a wider spectrum of opponents, ranging from newcomers experimenting with loadouts to seasoned veterans testing aggressive playstyles in fresh contexts. This isn’t a guaranteed win or loss formula; it’s a deliberate attempt to diversify the learning curve and the social experience of multiplayer sessions. For streamers, content creators, and casual fans alike, the change could yield more varied highlights and surprising comebacks, fueling new conversations about strategy and adaptation.
Impact on Performance and Satisfaction
Metrics will matter here. If Open Moshpit reduces frustration for players who feel boiled down to a narrow skill tier, it could boost retention and engagement during the beta. On the flip side, more experienced players might find the variability less appealing if it results in tougher or less predictable opponents across the board. The beta’s feedback loop will be crucial: Treyarch is inviting players to report perceptions of balance, matchmaking fairness, and the overall excitement level of battles under this new mode.
Community Feedback and Next Steps
As KitGuru highlights in their beta coverage, the real test is community sentiment. Players will be asked to compare their experiences between the standard Moshpit and Open Moshpit, noting anything from win rates to the pace of matches and the quality of decisions under pressure. The developers have signaled that testing will continue through the beta window, with adjustments likely based on player input. If Open Moshpit proves popular, it could inform more nuanced SBMM tuning in the final release.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Varied Multiplayer Experiences
Black Ops 7’s beta introduction of Open Moshpit marks a significant moment for Call of Duty’s multiplayer philosophy. By drastically reducing skill-based matchmaking in a dedicated playlist, Treyarch is testing whether a broader skill gap among players can deliver more exciting, less predictable battles. Whether this approach will stick in the final game remains to be seen, but the beta presents a valuable opportunity for players to shape the future of COD multiplayer balance and matchmaking philosophy.
Have you tried the BO7 beta’s Open Moshpit? Share your impressions on how it felt compared to the standard playlist and whether you noticed a difference in match variety and pacing.
