*Call of Duty* is currently navigating through challenging times, and it's not just the declining player numbers that are causing concern, as evidenced by data from SteamDB. In the lead-up to the launch of the second season of *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6*, the developers have been vocal about their ongoing efforts to combat cheating. Since the introduction of the ranked mode in November 2024, they've suspended over 136,000 accounts, and they're committed to continuously refining their anti-cheat systems.

Additionally, the developers have promised enhancements to server configurations, aiming to deliver superior connection quality in the future. However, these assurances are met with skepticism. The situation seems dire when even prominent content creators publicly challenge the developers' statements, and Reddit is brimming with posts from players who claim not to have experienced any 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) becoming synonymous with discontent. This erosion of trust is clear, and it remains uncertain how, or indeed if, Activision will manage to restore confidence among its player base.