To Activision-Blizzard and any Parties or Individuals in Concern: 

         The introduction of Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) into the Call of Duty series has fundamentally upheaved what once prevailed as a casual experience in public matches. Since the introduction of this matchmaking factor in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), the average user is no longer able to start up a match with a pleasing, laid-back experience following a long day at work - the average multiplayer game now pits players of equal skill against each other, forcing the average user to compete at a continually undesired level of intensity. This issue has been greatly identified and denounced by the Call of Duty Community, with the abbreviation "SBMM" trending at #1 on Twitter following the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Alpha release. 

         These opinions are not groundless, and come from a sentiment backed by experience - having dealt with the effects of SBMM for the duration of the previous year's title, the community took it upon themselves to collectively express their aversion to this. This was fueled even further by an identification of SBMM's prevalence in the upcoming title (Black Ops Cold War)'s Alpha release, worrying the community of an imminent continuation of their suffering. 

         We understand that your intention is for new, incoming players to be able to pick up the game easily given lobbies that match their skills, but there are specific ideas regarding how the implementation of SBMM can rather turn an incoming player away: 

1.) Community Opinion

As humans in the era of information, we rely on trusted individuals and experienced sources for information, hence why we are quick to check reviews prior to booking a hotel or purchasing a new product. SBMM is greatly despised by experienced Call of Duty players, as being forced into matches at their acquired higher level of skill mean they must put their full attention and focus into each game. When a potential consumer is pondering a purchase of a Call of Duty title, they are likely to consult such experienced players, who after having not enjoyed the public match experience in the game may advise the potential consumer against a purchase.

2.) False Threat

Note that the system of public matchmaking which was present in Call of Duty titles prior to Modern Warfare (2019) did not significantly hinder the average new player. Not only can this be proven by the franchise's rise up until that point, but also by an analysis of the general public match skill composition prior to the implementation of SBMM. Given no forced consistency of lobby players' skill level, each game's matchmaking would be a virtually random field of skill, with some games of course being easier than others, but a prevalent diversity of skill still allowing players to persevere and succeed. 

         We as a community understand that you wish to see the title's audience grow as a whole, but in a time where online communication defines our way of life:

          Would it not be a smarter idea considered as a company to ensure that the conversations regarding your titles are positive? 

          Would it not be a smarter idea considered as a company to cater to the outcry, let alone that of the community, but of the numerous professional CDL players and online content creators and streamers who are the forefront of your titles' public outreach?

          Would it not be a smarter idea considered as a company to capitalize on the meteoric rise of the Esports industry, and work closely with professional players to gain ideas as to how you can foster a better experience for competitive play, as opposed to imposing fines upon them when they speak their criticisms? 

          The need to solve this issue only grows by the day, as more potential consumers become aware of your imminent title, and subsequently aware of this greatly undesirable stain upon it. Your power stems from your consumer base, your growth relies upon your community, so it is with honest regard and concern that I humbly request you address Skill-Based Matchmaking in Call of Duty.  

          I thank you for the time taken to read this petition and your regard for it. 

With good intentions for the future,

The Call of Duty Community

Petition by "Gursh" | @VonderhaarElite on Twitter