Modern Warfare 4 Players Criticize SBMM After Open Playlist Absence
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launched without the beta's SBMM-minimizing Open Playlist, and players are voicing complaints over matchmaking.
Players of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 are publicly criticizing the game's skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), according to gamerant.com. The complaints come after the game launched without an Open Playlist that reduces SBMM's impact, even though the beta included one.
Some players say SBMM in Modern Warfare 4 feels stronger than in earlier series entries and makes maintaining a K/D ratio harder.
Despite the backlash, the game holds a "Very Positive" user review rating on Steam.
The studio has not addressed the matchmaking complaints publicly. Infinity Ward developed the title and Activision published it; it released on October 23, 2026.
Content lined up for the coming weeks
The fan-favorite Shipment map is confirmed for Modern Warfare 4 on Tuesday, October 27. Possession Mode is scheduled for October 29 and Infected for October 30, with Season 1 starting on Friday, November 6.
SBMM has been used consistently in Call of Duty games for years and has long been controversial.
Quick answers
Why are Modern Warfare 4 players criticizing SBMM?
Players say the matchmaking feels stronger than in earlier series entries and makes maintaining K/D harder, after the game launched without the beta's SBMM-minimizing Open Playlist.
When does the Shipment map come to Modern Warfare 4?
The Shipment map is confirmed for Tuesday, October 27. Possession Mode follows on October 29 and Infected on October 30.
When does Modern Warfare 4 Season 1 start?
Season 1 of Modern Warfare 4 starts on Friday, November 6.