Activision and Treyarch have announced significant changes to the multiplayer experience in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, addressing long-standing community feedback. The game will launch without Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) and will feature persistent lobbies, allowing players to remain in the same lobby across multiple matches.

No SBMM at Launch

The developers have confirmed that Black Ops 7 will default to an "Open Matchmaking" system at launch. This system prioritizes connection quality over skill level, ensuring faster matchmaking and a more relaxed gameplay experience. This decision follows positive feedback from the beta, where the Open Moshpit playlist, which featured minimal SBMM, was well-received by players.

Persistent Lobbies

In addition to the removal of SBMM, Black Ops 7 will introduce persistent lobbies. Players will be able to stay in the same lobby across multiple matches, allowing for more social interaction and the ability to build connections with other players. This feature harks back to the "golden era" of Call of Duty, where players could enjoy the same lobby experience without the need to rejoin after each match.

Release Date

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to release on November 14, 2025. The game will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam, Battle.net, Xbox App). It will also be available day one on Xbox Game Pass.

Community Reaction

The announcement has been met with positive feedback from the community, many of whom have been critical of SBMM in the past. The removal of SBMM and the introduction of persistent lobbies are seen as steps towards a more enjoyable and less stressful multiplayer experience.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will launch with an Open Matchmaking system and persistent lobbies, aiming to provide a more relaxed and social multiplayer experience. The game is scheduled to release on November 14, 2025, and will be available across multiple platforms, including Xbox Game Pass.