Image Credit: Bethesda
Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Black Ops 6 logo key art
Image via Activision

Does Black Ops 6 have SBMM? CoD skill-based matchmaking, explained

Is it time to finally get good?

If you’ve played Call of Duty in the past five or so years, and many other multiplayer games for that matter, you’ve likely heard and talked about skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) ad nauseum.

Recommended Videos

Skill is one of several factors taken into account for the formula of matchmaking in multiplayer, according to Activision, along with things like input device, internet connection, recent maps or modes played, platform, and more.

Naturally, players are wondering if SBMM has continued into Treyarch’s latest effort, as it has been a consistent feature in CoD for several years. Add on the fact that Activision was quite secretive about it for almost all of those years, and it’s likely going to continue to be a topic of controversy for quite some time.

What is SBMM in CoD?

player firing gun in black ops 6
The details are out there now. Image via Activision

Skill-based matchmaking in CoD is an algorithm that matches players in multiplayer games based on their determined skill level, which is decided by “how well a player can be expected to perform against the rest of the population in a given game mode, based on their previously observed performance.”

For many years, players would describe SBMM as a system forcing people to play against players of a similar skill level, making the game more competitive or “sweaty” as a result, and the experience unenjoyable as a result for a very vocal minority.

Activision’s 25-page report about its findings and deployment methods of SBMM is full of more detailed information, but in short, it answers our very valuable question of the moment.

Is there SBMM in Black Ops 6?

CoD Black Ops 6 operators flopping all over the place while fighting
Omnimovement. Image via Activision

Yes, Activision will continue to use SBMM in Black Ops 6, and likely all other CoDs in the future because the company believes it enhances the player experience for the majority of players within the community.

In July 2024, Activision released the above report detailing its findings around skill-based matchmaking, and deduced that loosening “the constraints on skill in matchmaking” in previous tests made the game worse overall for its playerbase, judging by how many players left matches, stopped playing, and other factors.

This was found in a test that Activision secretly ran in early 2024 where half of the players in North America were placed into their own modified version of the game’s matchmaking algorithm with “lower SBMM” in place. In fact, it was determined that only the top 10 percent of players had a positive experience.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Scott Duwe
Scott Duwe
Senior Staff Writer & Call of Duty lead. Professional writer for over 10 years. Lover of all things Marvel, Destiny 2, Metal Gear, Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, and more. Previous bylines include PC Gamer, Red Bull Esports, Fanbyte, and Esports Nation. DogDad to corgis Yogi and Mickey, sports fan (NY Yankees, NY Jets, NY Rangers, NY Knicks), Paramore fanatic, cardio enthusiast.