Is Call of Duty Facing an Existential Crisis? Black Ops 7 Sales & The SBMM Backlash
Activision is facing a potentially critical moment with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. While official sales figures remain under wraps, a concerning silence from the publisher, coupled with a surge in player frustration over Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM), suggests a deeper problem than just typical launch-week jitters. The situation is so tense that Charlie Olson, the original architect of CoD’s SBMM system, felt compelled to directly address the community’s concerns – a rare and telling move.
The SBMM Controversy: More Than Just “Sweats”
Olson, in a detailed YouTube video, clarified that the much-touted “open matchmaking” in Black Ops 7 isn’t a removal of SBMM, but rather a response to a lack of casual players. The expectation of easily dominating less-skilled opponents hasn’t materialized, leading to “sweaty” lobbies filled with experienced players. This isn’t a bug, Olson argues, but a consequence of the current player base distribution. “Some players are leaving because they thought this tweet meant SBMM had been completely removed…and then blamed it for stealing ‘fodder’ from the open playlist,” he explained. The core issue isn’t the system itself, but a dwindling pool of casual players willing to be the target practice.
The Impact of Persistent Lobbies & Player Behavior
Olson further highlighted the trade-offs inherent in bringing back persistent lobbies – a feature many players requested. These lobbies, while desirable for some, contribute to longer wait times, connection issues, and, crucially, the concentration of highly skilled players. He predicts the player base will only “get sweatier” over time, potentially mirroring the decline of titles like XDefiant, which struggled to retain players after an initial surge of interest. This raises a critical question: is Activision prioritizing the experience of its core, highly engaged players at the expense of attracting and retaining a broader audience?
Beyond Matchmaking: Sales Figures & The Battlefield Threat
The SBMM debate is unfolding against a backdrop of concerning sales data. Physical sales of Black Ops 7 internationally are reportedly down, although the impact of Xbox Game Pass remains to be seen. This is particularly alarming given the historical dominance of the Call of Duty franchise. For the first time in two decades, there’s a real possibility that Battlefield 6 could outsell a new Call of Duty title. While it’s premature to declare a shift in the FPS landscape, the potential for disruption is undeniable.
A Two-Year Development Cycle?
Olson even speculated about a significant shift in Activision’s development strategy, suggesting a move to a two-year cycle for Call of Duty releases. This would be a dramatic departure from the annual release cadence that has defined the franchise for years, but could be a necessary step to address quality concerns and avoid the rushed development cycles that may be contributing to player dissatisfaction. Gamespot has more on this potential shift.
The Future of FPS: Balancing Accessibility & Competition
The current situation with Black Ops 7 isn’t just about one game; it’s a microcosm of the broader challenges facing the FPS genre. Developers are increasingly grappling with the tension between providing a competitive experience for hardcore players and creating an accessible environment for newcomers. SBMM, while intended to create fairer matches, can inadvertently alienate casual players who feel constantly outmatched. The key to long-term success lies in finding a balance – perhaps through more granular matchmaking options, robust tutorial systems, and a greater emphasis on rewarding progression for all skill levels.
What are your predictions for the future of Call of Duty and the FPS genre as a whole? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
