update: Blizzard has shared an update on its website. We have announced that we are relaxing the phone number requirements for the majority of existing Overwatch players. However, new accounts must meet SMS Protect requirements.here are the full details Official forum update:
“Overwatch 2 was designed as a live service and is open to feedback from a wide variety of players. We have decided to remove the phone number requirement for the majority of existing Overwatch players. Battle All Overwatch players connected to.net accounts, including all players who have played since June 9, 2021, will no longer need to provide a phone number to play.We are working to make this change. It’s on and will go into effect on Friday, October 7th. I’ll update the player once it goes live.
“We remain committed to combating vandalism in Overwatch 2. Non-Battle.net connected accounts and new accounts will continue to be required to meet SMS Protect requirements. Ensures community is protected from abuse: if a player is found engaging in disruptive behavior, that account may be banned regardless of whether they have a new account As a team, we will listen to ongoing feedback and make further adjustments in this area as needed.”
Original: Blizzard released Overwatch 2 earlier this week, and it was a bit of a disaster, with long queues and connection issues.
It seems some people can’t even get past the login screen because of the free-to-play game’s new “defense matrix” that requires users to have a phone number linked to their account in order to play. ‘s two-factor authentication system, but it seems to be a serious headache for some heroes.
1 post on overwatch subredditThere are now over 700 comments. Basically, you have no choice but to sit on the sidelines or consider a new provider.
“Let’s discuss disallowing ‘prepaid’ calls – well, let’s be blunt. Many individuals around the world (that is, especially in low-economy areas) use prepaid plans. Many providers (such as MetroPCS) only use prepaid plans. Now you’re saying you can’t play a game you bought in 2016 because of your cell phone plan? Honestly, having to worry about the financial situation is very oppressive…just to play a f***ing video game that’s supposed to distract you from real world events.
“Imagine walking into a bank and the bank refusing to open an account for you because of the type of phone service you have (i.e. a provider like MetroPCS). Yes, and I honestly don’t like it. Blizzard’s fix for this.”
Some users in certain parts of the world point out that it’s not necessarily a prepaid phone issue as their prepaid devices work. Some believe it is related to a specific mobile his provider or one that does not require the user to present her ID when making a purchase.the story of Kotaku I will point out how this is primarily affecting players in the US right now.
“Blizzard’s phone restrictions seem to be largely hurting users of prepaid phone plans in the US… prepaid phone users in other countries report being able to log into the game without issue. Players speculate that it may be because the country requires an ID to buy a prepaid phone, or because Blizzard only bans known prepaid phone plans.”
Some users are looking for alternatives to SMS Protect. Blizzard previously explained that this new requirement could be added to provide an extra layer of security for users and reduce in-game cheating and disruptive behavior.
How was your experience with Overwatch 2 so far? Did you have any mobile-related issues? Let us know in the comments.