Call of Duty's next beta will dial back controversial skill-based matchmaking

Activision is still tinkering with the secret sauce of multiplayer matchmaking. According to PC Gamer, the upcoming beta for the next Call of Duty title, rumored to be *Modern Warfare 4*, will feature special playlists with reduced skill-based matchmaking (SBMM).

The company says it's continuing to "learn a lot" about how players are paired up. This move appears to be a direct response to long-running complaints from the game's most dedicated fans, who argue strict SBMM makes casual play feel too sweaty.

In related news, a brand new matchmaking system is also being prepped for introduction in the simultaneously developed *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7*. It seems the studio is testing multiple approaches across its two main franchises.