Summary:
- The Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 open beta added a new SBMM-free playlist called Open Moshpit, which was praised by a lot of players.
- SBMM has been a hot topic in the community for years, with many saying it makes matches too serious and less fun.
- After enjoying Open Moshpit, players are now hoping it will stay in the full version of the game.
Treyarch has made a big change that Call of Duty fans are loving. In the Black Ops 7 beta, the new Open Moshpit playlist removes or heavily limits skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). Many players have long disliked SBMM for making casual matches too competitive. Now, with Open Moshpit, the game feels more relaxed and unpredictable. Here’s how Call of Duty changed its Black Ops 7 SBMM system.
What is SBMM?
SBMM stands for skill-based matchmaking. It’s a system that matches you with players around your same skill level. The goal is to make matches fair—so beginners don’t constantly lose to pros.
However, many players argue that this system makes every match feel sweaty and stressful. If you play well in a few games, the system quickly puts you against tougher opponents. Instead of relaxing and having fun, you end up in high-pressure matches every time.
That’s why players have been asking Treyarch for a more casual mode—one that feels closer to the classic Call of Duty experience.
What Is the Open Moshpit Mode?
After players expressed disinterest in the open beta, with many citing SBMM as the main problem, Treyarch finally listened. The Black Ops 7 SBMM system changed when they introduced Open Moshpit. Instead of strictly matching players by skill, it focuses more on good connection and faster matchmaking, with little to no SBMM.
This means that you might play against both new players and veterans, just like in the older Call of Duty games. It brings back that feeling of randomness and variety that long-time fans have missed.
Treyarch calls this system “classic matchmaking,” and players say it’s the most fun they’ve had in years. Matches feel smoother, quicker to start, and more unpredictable instead of purely competitive.
Why Players Love the Change
The reaction to the Open Moshpit playlist has been overwhelmingly positive. Casual players especially love this change because it lets them relax and enjoy the game without the constant pressure to perform. Even professional players and streamers have praised it, some going as far as to say that the removal of Black Ops 7 SBMM “saved” the open beta.
Popular FPS streamer Shroud said the beta felt “actually enjoyable again” thanks to the new matchmaking system. Players have also noticed that lobbies load faster since the game doesn’t spend as much time sorting players by skill level.
Treyarch’s Response
After experiencing Open Moshpit, many players wanted it to be included in the final version for release. The developers responded and said they’re happy with the positive feedback, and will keep testing different matchmaking options before launch. They haven’t confirmed if SBMM will be fully removed, but many fans are hoping that the Open Moshpit or at least something like it will be kept in the game.
If it does, it could be a big change for the Call of Duty series. It might be unlikely for the Black Ops 7 SBMM to be completely gone, but the addition of SBMM-free modes is already a great step. It could give casual players a more relaxed experience while ranked modes are still there for those who want serious competition. It’s the kind of balance that could make the game more fun for everyone.
Conclusion
The Open Moshpit playlist in Black Ops 7 brings back what players have missed from the classic Call of Duty days. By reducing the impact of the Black Ops 7 SBMM system, Treyarch has reminded everyone what made the series so enjoyable in the first place. It’s still early, and it’s unclear if this mode will be part of the full release. But, If Treyarch continues to listen to feedback, Black Ops 7 could easily become one of the most enjoyable and well-balanced Call of Duty games yet.
Writer’s Recommendation:
Liked this article? If you did, you may be interested in related news and guides I’ve written about Call of Duty and game news. Check them out!





