➀ Black Ops 7 will launch with minimal skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) and persistent lobbies; ➁ This decision follows beta feedback; ➂ Treyarch aims to provide a more varied experience for players.

➀ Valve is using ChatGPT to develop its new multiplayer shooter Deadlock; ➁ An engineer from Valve explains how ChatGPT was used to improve the matchmaking system of Deadlock; ➂ The use of generative AI in game development is becoming more common.

1. Activision conducted a secret test on 50% of North American Call of Duty players, removing skill-based matchmaking. 2. The test resulted in a 90% decrease in returning player rates outside the top 10% of players. 3. Activision believes that complete removal of skill-based matchmaking could lead to rapid erosion of the player population.