‘I Don’t Know if There’s Perfecting It’ — Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Multiplayer Chief Weighs in on Matchmaking
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 has reignited the long-standing community debate over skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), with the game launching exclusively with SBMM-enabled lobbies rather than offering both options like its predecessor. The matchmaking controversy has defined Call of Duty discussions since the franchise’s inception, with players divided between those who prefer evenly-matched skill-based competition and those who favor the unpredictability of random player composition.
Black Ops 7, released in 2025, attempted to resolve the divide by offering both approaches: skill-based matchmaking as the default alongside dedicated open matchmaking playlists with minimal SBMM for players seeking different experiences. However, Modern Warfare 4 has departed from this dual-option strategy, implementing SBMM as standard across its multiplayer experience. The game uses an algorithm that evaluates recent performance and overall skill level to determine matchmaking after players complete their initial matches.
According to the game’s multiplayer chief, the implementation of effective matchmaking systems presents complex challenges without clear solutions. The balance between competitive integrity, player retention, and user experience remains difficult to perfect, with the developer acknowledging the ongoing tension between different playstyle preferences in the community. The decision to streamline MW4’s approach around SBMM suggests developers are prioritizing consistent competitive-level matching over providing player choice, marking a notable shift from Black Ops 7’s inclusive methodology.