Black Ops 7 promised "minimally considered" skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in its open playlists, giving players the hope of a more casual experience. However, following the game’s launch, players are beginning to question if skill still plays a bigger role than advertised. A detailed analysis comparing the matchmaking times and ping on skilled accounts versus lower-skill ones suggests that skill might still be heavily influencing matchmaking, despite the promises. If you're looking for a cheap way to bypass CoD BO7's matchmaking system, you might consider buying access to a legit Bot Lobby. This can provide an escape from tough matches and improve your gaming experience.
In one test using Quickplay TDM with crossplay enabled, a player compared matchmaking results between their main skilled account and a low-skill "bot" account. The skilled account averaged 34 seconds for a match with 42ms ping, while the bot account took only 28 seconds and had significantly lower ping, often under 5ms of the optimal 20ms. These results were consistent across 10 matches and were conducted on the same system, internet connection, and at the same time of day, isolating skill as the only variable.
Ping is a crucial factor in matchmaking, and developers have long emphasized its importance. However, the test revealed that skilled players often had worse connections, contradicting the minimal SBMM claims. Early beta matchmaking was notably faster with consistently low ping, but once the live servers went online, skilled players found themselves facing longer matchmaking times and worse connections. This issue is exacerbated when players party up, as their squad's skill level seems to pull them into tougher games, regardless of individual performance.
The community has echoed these concerns, with many skilled players, including Call of Duty pros, reporting similar issues. Players are finding themselves dominating in matches but still losing due to poor teammates or inconsistent lobbies. While the SBMM system in Black Ops 7 isn't as strict as in previous titles, the matchmaking still falls short of the expectations set during the beta, prioritizing balance and match difficulty over smooth and consistent connection speeds.
Ultimately, while Black Ops 7 aimed to provide a more relaxed experience with "minimally considered" skill-based matchmaking, the reality appears to be that skill continues to have a significant impact on matchmaking times, ping, and overall player experience. The game's matchmaking system still needs adjustments to meet the community’s expectations for fair, consistent, and smooth gameplay.
As Black Ops 7 continues to evolve post-launch, players are hopeful that the developers will address these issues to provide a more balanced and enjoyable experience for all.
