Call of Duty is currently facing significant challenges, extending beyond the issue of declining player numbers, as observed on platforms like SteamDB. As the launch of the second season of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 approaches, the developers have been vocal about their ongoing battle against cheaters. Since the introduction of the ranked mode in November 2024, the developers have taken decisive action by suspending over 136,000 accounts. They are committed to continuously enhancing their anti-cheat measures to ensure a fair gaming environment for all players.
In addition to tackling cheating, the developers have announced plans to improve server configurations, aiming to enhance connection quality in the future. However, these assurances have not been met with enthusiasm from the community. The situation appears dire when even prominent content creators are publicly questioning the validity of the developers' claims. Reddit is brimming with posts from players who report no tangible improvements in server quality or matchmaking, highlighting a disconnect between the developers' promises and the players' experiences.
The community's frustration with Call of Duty is palpable, with terms like SBMM (Skill-Based Matchmaking) and EOMM (Engagement Optimized Matchmaking) becoming sources of discontent. This erosion of trust poses a significant challenge, and it remains uncertain how, or indeed if, Activision will be able to mend this rift and restore faith among its player base.