Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Multiplayer Theory Worries Fans

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War isn’t here yet, but fans are already concerned about the game’s multiplayer.

If you’re a long-time Call of Duty fan, you’re probably already familiar with the scandal that pops up around skill-based matchmaking every time a new game releases. If you’re not, let me fill you in: skill-based matchmaking (or SMBB) pits players against players of a similar level or skill. While it seems like a great idea on the surface, fans often find it can make a game less fun, as it allows for less experimentation, less silly play and can make it harder to level up if you get lumped in with bad teammates.

So what does this have to do with the upcoming Cold War? Well, fans are concerned that an unused patent from 2019 could come into play with the new game – and it doesn’t sound like sunshine and roses.

As noted by Call of Duty insider Tom Henderson, 2019 saw Activision patent a new system for matchmaking which then wasn’t implemented into either Modern Warfare or Warzone, suggesting it might be in use for Cold War.

https://twitter.com/TomHenderson/status/1315982875716726784

“Activision patented a new SBMM system in April 2019 (6 months before the release of Modern Warfare),” said Henderson [via ComicBook].

“The new SBMM system doesn’t just take your K/C, SPM, and W/L anymore… It calculates everything including your movement around the map, the weapons you use, purchases, and more.”

Henderson went on to mention how the patent links in with microtransactions – something no player wants to see.

“The patent states that a part of the system is designed for ‘influencing game-related purchases,’ which means players that have COD points or a tendency to buy COD points could be matched with players that have purchased in-game items to entice them.

“From what I’ve read, the patent also has zero mention of prioritizing connection based matchmaking over skill-based matchmaking – Which Activision calls the ‘Virtual Coaching System.’ So a casual playing experience and a good connection is second to money.”

Though there’s not yet any evidence to suggest the new all-encompassing SBMM system is coming to Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, it definitely wouldn’t make much sense for Activision to patent such a system only to never implement it. Unless, of course, they did so to stop other companies from employing the same tactic in their games.

It’s hoped that the unused system won’t be a part of the game’s multiplayer, with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War fans fervently agreeing in the Twitter thread that this would be detrimental to the gameplay.

Would you like to see it happen?

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Featured Image Credit: Activision