For years, the Call of Duty community has begged for one thing—real change. This time, with Black Ops 7, it seems Treyarch might actually be paying attention. The developer’s promises of improved gameplay, overhauled perks, and “reduced SBMM” have caught the attention of both casuals and veterans alike. Yet, for many players exploring Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies, a lingering question remains: is Treyarch truly listening, or just pretending to?

The open dialogue around Black Ops 7 began after the beta, when Treyarch responded swiftly to fan feedback about movement, perk balance, and audio design. Footsteps became louder, sliding was refined, and the universally disliked dexterity perk was adjusted to make movement perks more balanced across all classes. These changes are undeniably positive, signaling a willingness to take community feedback seriously.

However, the real issue isn’t mechanics—it’s matchmaking. Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) has been the community’s number-one complaint for years, creating frustration among competitive and casual players alike. The studio now claims that “open matchmaking” will reduce the impact of skill on lobbies, supposedly creating a more natural experience. But “reduced” doesn’t mean “removed,” and without full transparency, fans remain cautious.

Treyarch’s newfound attentiveness might not stem from goodwill alone. Many gamers point to Battlefield 6’s success as the catalyst. Activision, Treyarch’s parent company, has faced serious competition in the FPS market, and this pressure could be forcing them to act more “player-friendly.” In that sense, it’s less a shift in philosophy and more a business decision aimed at reclaiming market share.

Despite these doubts, it’s worth acknowledging that Black Ops 7 feels more community-driven than any recent entry. Even if it’s partially motivated by competition, the result—a more balanced, responsive game—benefits everyone. The important thing is that fans keep voicing their opinions. Real change in Call of Duty history has always started from community outcry.

The key now is consistency. If Treyarch continues to communicate, patch quickly, and maintain transparency about how matchmaking works, Black Ops 7 could restore faith in the franchise. If not, it risks becoming another temporary fix designed to generate sales and quiet criticism before reverting to old habits.

For now, fans should stay hopeful—but skeptical. History shows that Activision only listens when their bottom line is at risk. Still, the Black Ops 7 community has never been more united, and that unity might finally be powerful enough to keep Treyarch accountable long after launch day.

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