Table of Contents

Why Does Blizzard Need My Phone Number? Unveiling the SMS Protect System

Quick answer

This page answers Why does Blizzard need my phone number? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Blizzard Entertainment asks for your phone number primarily for account security and to combat disruptive behavior, particularly cheating, in games like Overwatch 2. This system, known as SMS Protect, is designed to verify legitimate phone numbers and exclude instances of fraud or scams. The underlying goal is to create a safer and more positive gaming environment for everyone involved. By linking a unique phone number to your account, Blizzard aims to deter malicious actors and make it more difficult for them to create and manage multiple accounts for illicit purposes. While controversial, this measure is intended to enhance overall player experience and protect the community against cheating.

The Rationale Behind SMS Protect

At its core, SMS Protect serves two primary purposes: bolstering account security and deterring disruptive behavior. Let’s break down each of these motivations in detail:

Enhancing Account Security

A verified phone number adds an extra layer of security to your Battle.net account. If you ever get locked out, forget your password, or suspect your account has been compromised, Blizzard can use the linked phone number to verify your identity and help you regain access. Think of it as a digital safeguard, ensuring that only you can access and control your account. In an age where account hacking and phishing attempts are increasingly common, this added security measure provides crucial peace of mind. A secondary benefit is the ability to recover your account more efficiently should you be locked out.

Combating Disruptive Behavior and Cheating

The other significant driver behind SMS Protect is the fight against cheating and disruptive behavior. By requiring a unique phone number for each account, Blizzard makes it significantly harder for cheaters to create multiple accounts for nefarious purposes. When someone gets banned for cheating, they can no longer simply create a new account with ease. Instead, they need to acquire a new phone number, presenting a more significant hurdle. This restriction reduces the incentive to cheat and disrupts the cycle of creating disposable accounts, thereby improving the overall gaming experience for legitimate players. Blizzard is banking on the fact that the inconvenience of obtaining new phone numbers will be a deterrent.

The Controversy and Blizzard’s Adjustments

While the motivations behind SMS Protect appear reasonable, the implementation has faced criticism and controversy. One of the primary complaints stems from the initial requirement that only postpaid phone numbers were accepted. This stipulation excluded a significant portion of the gaming community, particularly those who rely on prepaid phone plans.

Recognizing these concerns, Blizzard made adjustments to the phone number requirement for Overwatch 2. Specifically, they announced that any existing Overwatch player with a connected Battle.net account (which included all players who had played since June 9, 2021) would not have to provide a phone number to play. This change addressed the immediate backlash and alleviated the concerns of many long-time players.

However, the phone number requirement remains in place for new accounts and accounts not previously connected to Battle.net. This ensures that new players still go through the SMS Protect verification process, helping to maintain a safer environment. Blizzard’s intention is to balance security measures with player accessibility.

Blizzard’s Stance on Privacy

One of the biggest concerns players have expressed is the fear that Blizzard might be selling their phone numbers to third-party companies for advertising purposes. Blizzard has repeatedly stated that they take player privacy very seriously and that they do not sell personal information.

They provide detailed privacy policies on their website, outlining how they collect, use, and protect player data. It’s essential for players to review these policies to understand their rights and how their information is handled. While skepticism remains, Blizzard has emphasized that the phone number requirement is solely for security and anti-cheating purposes, not for generating advertising revenue.

Alternatives and Workarounds

Understandably, some players still seek ways to bypass the phone number requirement. While using burner phone services has been mentioned as a workaround, it’s important to note that Blizzard actively attempts to block such methods. Furthermore, using a burner phone could violate Blizzard’s terms of service and potentially lead to account suspension.

Another point to consider is the limitations on using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) numbers like Google Voice. Blizzard generally doesn’t accept these types of numbers for SMS Protect verification. The reason for this restriction is that VoIP numbers are often easier to obtain and can be used anonymously, undermining the security and anti-cheating goals of the system.

Ultimately, the most reliable and safest way to comply with the phone number requirement is to use a valid, registered mobile phone number that is not associated with another Battle.net account.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Blizzard’s Phone Number Requirement

Here are some common questions players have about why Blizzard needs their phone numbers and how the SMS Protect system works:

Why does Blizzard need my phone number for Overwatch 2? Blizzard uses SMS Protect to enhance account security, prevent cheating, and reduce disruptive behavior. By linking a unique phone number to your account, they can verify your identity and make it more difficult for malicious actors to create multiple accounts.
Is Blizzard selling my phone number? No, Blizzard has stated that they do not sell your personal information, including your phone number. It is used solely for account security and anti-cheating purposes.
Do I still need a phone number to play Overwatch 2 in 2023? New players and accounts not previously connected to Battle.net still need a verified phone number. Existing players who played Overwatch since June 9, 2021, generally do not.
Can I use a Google Voice number for Blizzard? No, Blizzard does not typically accept VoIP numbers like Google Voice for SMS Protect verification. This is due to security concerns and the ease with which these numbers can be obtained anonymously.
Why do I need a postpaid phone number for Overwatch 2? Initially, only postpaid numbers were accepted, but Blizzard has since relaxed this requirement. However, they still need a valid mobile number that can receive SMS messages.
Can I use the same phone number for two Blizzard accounts? No, a phone number can only be added to a single Battle.net account. Customer Support cannot bypass this limitation.
What happens if I don’t receive the verification code? Make sure you enter the number correctly, the country registered on your Battle.net account is correct, and that you don’t have any applications blocking texts.
Why won’t Blizzard let me use my phone number? This could be because your number was previously used on a VOIP plan or is already associated with another Battle.net account.
How do I bypass the Overwatch 2 phone number requirement? If you played the first Overwatch game after 6/9/2021, you might not need a phone number. Otherwise, there are no officially supported methods to bypass it.
What is the Blizzard phone controversy? The controversy arose from the initial requirement that only postpaid phone numbers were accepted, excluding many players with prepaid plans. Blizzard has since adjusted this requirement for some players.
Why did Blizzard lock my account? Blizzard might temporarily lock your account due to a change in access, such as logging in from an unfamiliar location. They usually send an email with a link to reset your password.
Why does Blizzard need SMS? SMS Protect is a security feature that keeps players accountable for disruptive behavior and protects accounts if they’re hacked.
Should I give Overwatch 2 my phone number? If you’re a new player or don’t have a previously connected Battle.net account, you’ll need to provide a phone number to play. Existing players might not need to.
Is Blizzard removing the phone number requirement? Blizzard partially removed the requirement for players who have played since June 9, 2021, and have a connected Battle.net account. New accounts still require it.
Why did Blizzard take $1 from my account? This is most likely a one-dollar verification ‘pending’ that is common on internet transactions. It verifies that the card is valid and typically disappears in a few days.

The Future of Security Measures in Gaming

The debate surrounding Blizzard’s SMS Protect highlights the broader challenges and evolving strategies for security in online gaming. As games become increasingly popular and competitive, the need to deter cheating and protect player accounts grows ever more critical. However, game developers must carefully balance security measures with player accessibility and privacy concerns.

Moving forward, we can expect to see continued innovation in security technologies, including enhanced anti-cheat systems, multi-factor authentication, and improved fraud detection mechanisms. It will be crucial for the gaming industry to collaborate and share best practices to create a safer and more enjoyable experience for all players. Furthermore, understanding the principles behind game-based learning and using these to engage with the community can help foster a more positive environment. The Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, promotes valuable insights into how games can be used for good.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a gaming environment that is both secure and welcoming, where players can enjoy their favorite games without fear of cheating, hacking, or other disruptive behaviors. Only then can we unlock the full potential of online gaming and foster a thriving community for years to come.