Call of Duty is currently navigating challenging waters, and it's not just the declining player numbers (as indicated by SteamDB) that are causing concern. As 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, they've taken decisive action by suspending over 136,000 accounts. Their commitment to refining anti-cheat measures is clear, but the fight continues.
In addition to tackling cheating, the developers have announced enhancements to server configurations, aiming to improve connection quality for a smoother gaming experience. However, these promises are met with skepticism rather than optimism. The situation has deteriorated to the point where well-known content creators are publicly questioning the developers' claims. Meanwhile, Reddit is buzzing with posts from players who report no tangible improvements in server quality or matchmaking.
The community's frustration with Call of Duty is palpable, with terms like SBMM (Skill-Based Matchmaking) and EOMM (Engagement Optimized Matchmaking) turning into sources of discontent. This growing crisis of trust poses a significant challenge for Activision, leaving many to wonder how—or even if—the company can restore faith among its player base.