Casual Problems w/ Black Op's 6

Black Ops 6 Multiplayer

"Are Casual Gamers Being Left Out?"

The release of Black Ops 6 brought the usual COD buzz, and for good reason: the campaign and Zombies modes are being regarded throughout the community as some of the best we’ve ever seen. However, despite the praise for those modes, there's been a steady stream of frustration around one particular issue... multiplayer. And it’s not necessarily the gameplay itself, but rather how the skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) system is affecting the experience for casual players.

The Issue with SBMM for Casual Players

If you’re someone with a 9-to-5 or just have other family or life responsibilities, your game time might be limited to an hour here, a few hours there. But in Black Ops 6, a solid first match can be all it takes to land you in the deep end, squaring off against professional-level players due to Skill Based Matchmaking (SBMM). For casual players, this system can turn a fun break from the day into a frustrating gauntlet, and it’s causing many to wonder: is SBMM in casual play too much?

The result? Many players log out feeling frustrated rather than fulfilled. And it’s more than just a minor gripe; for some, it’s enough to make them question whether they want to keep playing multiplayer at all.

What is Skill Based Matchmaking?

Gaming in the Age of Content Creation & Esports

A deeper issue may be the way gaming culture has shifted. Back in the day, players would take their time uncovering Easter eggs, working together to find hidden secrets over weeks or even months. Now, it’s become an arms race, with content creators and streamers competing to uncover and broadcast every detail within the first 24 hours. For a casual gamer, this can be daunting to keep up with, creating an environment where it feels like everything’s been “done” before they even start.

With Esports and streaming at the forefront, the culture around gaming is different. Today’s multiplayer spaces can sometimes feel like an arena exclusively for high-stakes and competitive play. While there’s nothing wrong with competition, it creates a divide that didn’t feel as sharp in the past. As a result, it’s not uncommon for casual players to feel like they’re constantly lagging behind or, worse, that their contributions don’t matter.

Are We Playing for the Fun or for the Views?

There’s no denying that content creation has a huge influence on gaming now. But in a world where every game detail is instantly cataloged for viewership, we might be seeing the side effects of that “instant content” mentality. What was once a community journey is now a race to create monetized content, leaving regular players with fewer surprises, a shorter game lifespan, and sometimes even a sense that they’re outsiders in a world driven by views, followers, and competitive rankings.

So, What’s Next?

What’s the solution? Should game studios revisit how SBMM is applied in casual play? Or does the gaming culture need a broader shift to create more room for players who want to enjoy games without the pressure to compete at an elite level? Maybe it’s both.

This article isn’t meant to critique Black Ops 6 itself. In many ways, the game has hit new heights. But the experience of the average player feels overshadowed by the intense focus on high-level play.

What Do You Think?

I'd love to hear what everyone in the QAGamer community thinks. Is SBMM impacting your experience? Do you miss the slower pace of discovery in games? Or, do you enjoy the way streaming and Esports have pushed gaming forward?