Call Of Duty’s Matchmaking System For Modern Warfare 4 Is A Hot Topic

One of the hottest topics for Call of Duty remains the discussion around the game's matchmaking system. Activision has released a new statement to clarify the matchmaking players can expect with Modern Warfare 4's upcoming beta, and unsurprisingly, the topic is already gaining some criticism from the community.

This topic initially fired up when Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 changed its matchmaking system for the recent Season 5 update. The seasonal update added a new "classic" matchmaking system, which the publisher said was meant to "offer improvements to help keep matches full and balanced."

Black Ops 7 originally launched with "Open" playlists, which Activision previously described as only including "minimal skill consideration," or, in essence, little to no SBMM. Season 5's new "classic" matchmaking system was then implemented into many of the game's multiplayer playlists, but an Open playlist was still available to players who preferred it.

The announcement of Black Ops 7's matchmaking change also revealed that Modern Warfare 4's beta would include some Open playlists, but that seemingly implied other matchmaking playlists might also exist, creating some confusion with what players could expect from the Call of Duty's matchmaking.

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"We understand there are still open questions around matchmaking, and some confusion about what we’ve shared," Activision said in a new Call of Duty social media post. "So, we gathered some more details to shed light on where things stand going into the MW4 beta."

The Call of Duty post goes on to explain that its initial batch of data from Black Ops 7 is showing "strong improvements with the new system."

"Players are sticking around longer and playing more matches," the publisher said. "Since Season 5, quit rates are down across every skill group. Search times are also down versus Season 4. Average ping has improved too."

Because of these data results, Activision said Modern Warfare 4's beta will use the new "classic" system, but it will also have an Open matchmaking option available, so the developer can keep learning with data from both.

Activision also wants to ease any player concern by confirming that this is not a return to the tighter matchmaking of recent games, and connection still remains a top priority.

"We’ll keep looking at the data, listening to what players are telling us, and improving," the publisher continued.

Of course, the Call of Duty post still earned some criticism online from accounts like CharlieIntel and ModernWarzone, who suggest that Activision using Black Ops 7 matchmaking results from the later part of the year is not a great idea and can misinterpret the data.

"Activision using Black Ops 7 data to judge the future of Call of Duty's matchmaking system seems like a mistake," CharlieIntel said. "Black Ops 7's player base is so niche due to how few players play it."

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Activision responded with a final post on the topic by saying, "We asked for feedback and you definitely gave it to us. And that's what a beta is for. So, jump in, play the game, and help us make it even better. We'll be here online, and in your lobbies, improving as we go. Matchmaking isn't just data, it's a feeling. So jump in, feel it for yourself in beta."

Modern Warfare 4's early-access period begins on August 21, so make sure to check out our breakdown of all the MW4 beta dates and content. PC requirements and preloading instructions for the beta can be found here. 

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2.