Treyarch has addressed community disappointment in its first post launch Dev Talk for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, confirming buffs to aim assist and submachine guns after complaints of underwhelming SMG performance and controller struggles at range.
Released November 20 via X, the video features Design Director Matt Scronce outlining tweaks ahead of Season 1 in December.
Our first post-launch Dev Talk is here with a lot to cover:
— Treyarch (@Treyarch) November 20, 2025
✅ Unlocking Endgame
✅ Weapon balancing
✅ Aim Assist update
✅ Spawn tuning
✅ Equipment buffs
✅ Drone Pod nerfs
✅ Mini-Map range increase
✅ Zombies boss fight nerfs
✅ Relic updates
✅ Cursed in Survival?
+ more pic.twitter.com/Qoc6UOoR1U
SMG Buffs Across the Board
SMGs have struggled post launch against dominant assault rifles in close quarters combat, prompting Treyarch to act swiftly. Scronce confirmed, “We are going to be targeting kind of a buff across the board for all SMGs,” alongside “specific attachments that target recoil and range.”
dont use smgs unless you have nasa powered internet or elon musk is your sugar daddy
— tmem (@TMemoryy_T1) November 14, 2025
absolutely awful
This data driven overhaul aims to make SMGs more viable without overhauling rifles or snipers, which are under monitoring for “a bit more presence without being too dominant.” No exact numerical tweaks were revealed, but the changes are slated for December ahead of Season 1, in response to players feeling SMGs lack punch beyond hip fire sprays.
Aim Assist Strength Increase
Controller users reported aim assist feeling “underpowered” at mid to long range, especially after beta adjustments requiring right stick input for full rotational strength. Treyarch, “fairly happy” overall, plans “very nuanced changes” to “slightly increase aim assist strength over range.”
bring back aim assist pic.twitter.com/q4nhJUafKl
— consent (@7hoe) November 18, 2025
Scronce emphasized monitoring conversations and internal data, ensuring parity across inputs without reverting to past “crutch” levels. This refines post beta tuning, where Black Ops 7 rotational assist was dialed back for fairness.
These updates join Drone Pod nerfs (fewer drones or slower speed), equipment buffs (Point Turret, Needle Drone), expanded mini map visibility, and spawn tweaks for Hardpoint, TDM, and FFA rolling out soon, with Season 1 bringing major content.
