It’s a big day for Call of Duty fans, as Activision has finally given in and confirmed that skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) won’t be a part of Black Ops 7. That’s right, the developer has heard the community, and removed the feature that made multiplayer into a sweat fest. But don’t start celebrating as Activision’s ‘secret weapon’, a matchmaking system designed to push microtransactions, might still be a part of Black Ops 7.
Is Activision’s Microtransaction Matchmaking Active in Black Ops 7?
So, what exactly is this ‘microtransaction matchmaking’ we’re talking about here? Well, back in 2016, Activision filed a very interesting patent for a matchmaking system that was designed to boost microtransactions in video games. How did it work? Basically, if you’re new or a less skilled player, the system could match you with someone who has a lot of skins and other cosmetic items.
How does that increase microtransactions? Many new players think that buying the same cosmetics as those who are dominating them will help them replicate their success. Veteran gamers know that this isn’t true, and it’s all about skills. However, Activision’s system was built to capitalize on that assumption and fear.
Of course, there’s no evidence of Activision ever implementing this system. However, a few years ago, Overwatch players on Reddit spotted hints that it might have actually been in use. They called out various things, such as the new monetization, features, competitive matchmaking queue times being low, and hidden MMR rankings.
Wonder why matchmaking is broken? Presenting Activision’s patent on matchmaking designed to sell skins: US20160005270A1 byu/gooseears inOverwatch
It’s not just Overwatch players. Over the years, multiple communities from Activision-Blizzard games have questioned and speculated about this matchmaking system being part of the games. Of course, Activision claims it’s purely R&D and has never been “implemented in-game” (via PC Gamer).
However, fans are still suspicious that Call of Duty games might be using this matchmaking system. While there’s no official evidence yet, if it turns out to be true, it could seriously ruin Black Ops 7.
Activision’s Decisions Might Ruin the Future of Call of Duty
The Call of Duty franchise needs something new. (Image via Microsoft)
As we’ve stated before, there’s nothing out there to prove that Call of Duty is using some sort of matchmaking to promote microtransactions. However, what’s clear is that Activision’s decisions, and “innovations,” aren’t doing the franchise any kind of favor, and their impact might hurt Black Ops 7.
Just take a look at Activision’s recent track record. Every single Call of Duty game is a recycled mess that’s filled with bugs and glitches, and doesn’t bring anything new to the table. Instead of improving the gameplay and giving gamers what they want, the company wants to sell battle passes and Operator skins no one had asked for. There’s a reason why every single new Call of Duty game gets ‘Negative’ reviews on Steam.
We’re at a point where you can’t even expect creativity from Call of Duty games these days. Remember when Activision admitted last year that it had used generative AI to come up with some Black Ops 6 assets?
It’s high time for Activision to get its act together and make Call of Duty games that are worth purchasing. Black Ops 7 isn’t even out, and gamers are already skeptical. With the competition from Battlefield 6, which somehow EA has nailed down, Activision might be in huge trouble.
Game NameCall of Duty: Black Ops 7DeveloperTreyarchRelease Year2025
With that said, are you excited for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7? Let us know in the comments below.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
