In Overwatch 2, the requirement of a registered phone number has caused trouble. Blizzard has now commented on the issue and stated that they intend to change the system. Some players will have the feature removed, but new accounts will still be affected.
What is the status of Overwatch 2?
- Overwatch 2 celebrated its release on October 4
- Players had already complained beforehand about having to register phone numbers for security
- Server issues and queues plague players
- The head of Blizzard says that a DDoS attack is responsible for the problems
Which feature is involved? In Overwatch 2, there is a security feature that is rather unpopular with players: providing a phone number.
Every player had to provide a phone number at the start of Overwatch 2, which did not sit well with some players. With the phone number, you have to verify your account using a code you receive via SMS, so that it can be clearly assigned to you.
Phone number requirement will not be disabled for everyone
What is Overwatch doing about the feature? As Blizzard announced in a blog post, the controversial security feature will be partially disabled. Thus, in the future, all Overwatch players with a linked Battle.net account – meaning all players who have played since June 9, 2021 – will no longer have to provide a phone number (via blizzard.com).
According to Blizzard, the change is set to take effect on Friday, October 7, 2022. Players will also be informed again at that time.
However, the system will not be completely abolished. Blizzard remains committed to combating disruptive behavior in Overwatch 2, which is why new accounts will still need to meet the SMS requirements. Blizzard aims to protect the community from fraud.
Why is the feature controversial? There has been criticism, especially in the USA, because the system does not support some prepaid providers and generally excludes anyone from playing Overwatch 2 who does not own a mobile phone or smartphone.
- GOiGOiZeppeli via Twitter: “I can’t believe Blizzard is denying access to Overwatch 2 to people with prepaid phones. Why does it matter how I pay my phone bill?”
- RLmclovin via reddit: “I’m ashamed to have a prepaid phone. […] This is what my family can afford. I don’t know what else to say. I won’t tell my family we should switch because of a video game. Now I can’t play Overwatch anymore. I’m really sad about it. I have played with friends and family for years, and now I can’t play with any of them […].”
- Dramatic_Can via reddit: “The idea that people have to port their phone numbers to another provider just to play a single game is so ridiculous that it gives me a headache. […] Why does anyone even need a damn phone number to play a game? That’s unbelievable.”
What do you think about the security system and the requirement to provide a phone number? Does the feature bother you, or is it acceptable for you? Feel free to share your thoughts here on MeinMMO in the comments!
If you plan to actively play Overwatch 2 soon, you might be interested in our Tier list of OW2 heroes. There, you’ll see which characters are the best tanks, supporters, or DPS heroes.
Overwatch 2: Tier List at release – The best DPS, Tank, and Support heroes
