Why is Overwatch 2 Still Asking for a Phone Number? The Ongoing Saga of SMS Protect

The saga of the phone number requirement in Overwatch 2 is a winding tale of security measures, community backlash, and policy adjustments. So, why might you still be asked for a phone number to play? The short answer is that SMS Protect, Blizzard’s system requiring phone number verification, remains in place for certain accounts, primarily new accounts and those not previously linked to Battle.net before a specific date. The goal is to combat cheating and account abuse, though its implementation hasn’t been without controversy. Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding SMS Protect: A Double-Edged Sword

SMS Protect was initially implemented to provide a layer of security against fraudulent accounts and disruptive behavior. The rationale was simple: tying an account to a unique phone number makes it more difficult for bad actors to create numerous accounts for cheating, harassment, or other malicious activities. If an account is banned, the associated phone number is also flagged, preventing the user from simply creating a new account.

However, the system was immediately met with criticism. Many players, particularly those with prepaid phone plans, VOIP numbers, or landlines, found themselves unable to play. These types of numbers were explicitly excluded by Blizzard, citing security concerns and the higher likelihood of abuse associated with them.

The outrage was significant. Players felt unfairly excluded, especially given that Overwatch 2 is a free-to-play game. Concerns were also raised about privacy and the potential for Blizzard to use phone numbers for marketing or other purposes. While Blizzard vehemently denied these claims, the damage was done.

The Partial Rollback: A Compromise?

Responding to the uproar, Blizzard partially rolled back the phone number requirement. Existing Overwatch players with linked Battle.net accounts were exempted from needing to provide a phone number to play Overwatch 2. This addressed the immediate backlash from the existing player base but left the requirement in place for new players and those with unlinked accounts.

This compromise sought to strike a balance between security and accessibility. By exempting existing players, Blizzard acknowledged the concerns of those who felt unfairly targeted. By maintaining the requirement for new players, they aimed to deter the creation of fraudulent accounts and protect the game’s integrity.

The Persisting Security Concerns

Even with the partial rollback, the core rationale behind SMS Protect remains. Blizzard believes that linking a phone number to an account provides a significant security benefit. It allows them to verify account ownership in case of a compromise and makes it more difficult for banned players to return.

While some argue that there are alternative security measures that could be implemented, Blizzard has maintained its stance that SMS Protect is an essential tool for maintaining a fair and enjoyable gaming environment. They claim it is vital for preventing cheating and reducing in-game toxicity.

Alternative Solutions and Community Feedback

The Overwatch 2 community has consistently offered alternative solutions to SMS Protect, ranging from more robust account verification methods to improved in-game reporting systems. Some suggest implementing two-factor authentication through authenticator apps or email verification. Others propose stricter penalties for abusive behavior, coupled with improved detection mechanisms.

These suggestions highlight the desire for security without sacrificing accessibility. Players want a fair and safe gaming experience but also want to avoid being excluded due to factors beyond their control, such as the type of phone plan they use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the phone number requirements in Overwatch 2:

1. Do I still need a phone number to play Overwatch 2 in 2023? Yes, if you are a new player or your Battle.net account was not previously linked to Overwatch 1 before the policy change, you still need a verified phone number to play Overwatch 2.

2. Why can’t I play Overwatch 2 without a phone number? Blizzard requires a phone number through their SMS Protect system to verify legitimate accounts and deter cheating and account abuse. The system helps them prevent banned users from creating new accounts easily.

3. Is the phone number requirement optional in Overwatch 2? The phone number requirement is not optional for new players or those with Battle.net accounts not previously linked to Overwatch 1. However, if you played Overwatch 1 and had a linked account before the policy change, you likely won’t need to provide a phone number.

4. Why won’t Blizzard accept my phone number? There are several reasons why Blizzard might not accept your phone number:

   • The number might be from a prepaid phone plan, VOIP service (like Google Voice), or a landline.
   • The country registered on your Battle.net account might not match the phone number’s country.
   • The number might have been previously used on another Battle.net account.
   • There may be an error when entering your phone number, make sure the country code is correct.

5. Did Overwatch 2 remove the phone number requirement entirely? No, Blizzard only removed the phone number requirement for a majority of existing Overwatch 1 players with linked Battle.net accounts. New players and those with previously unlinked accounts still need to provide a phone number.

6. Why does Overwatch 2 need SMS Protect? SMS Protect is intended to verify account ownership, prevent fraud, and reduce cheating and toxicity by making it harder for banned players to create new accounts.

7. Can I use a Google Voice number for Overwatch 2? No, you cannot use a Google Voice number or other similar VOIP services for Overwatch 2’s SMS Protect. Blizzard explicitly excludes these types of numbers.

8. Can I use a prepaid phone number for Overwatch 2? No, you cannot use a prepaid phone number for Overwatch 2’s SMS Protect. This is due to perceived security concerns and higher risk of abuse associated with prepaid plans.

9. Will Blizzard sell my phone number? Blizzard states that they do not sell your personal information, including phone numbers. They claim to take your privacy very seriously.

10. Why does Blizzard need my phone number? Blizzard uses your phone number to verify account ownership, provide security notifications, and prevent cheating and account abuse. It’s primarily a security measure to protect the game and its community.

11. How do I activate Overwatch 2 SMS Protect? To activate SMS Protect, log into your Battle.net account, go to Account Details > Phone Number, enter your phone number, and follow the verification steps. You’ll receive a verification code via text message to confirm your number.

12. Can I use a fake phone number for Overwatch 2? No, you cannot use a fake phone number. Blizzard requires a valid phone number that you can access to receive verification codes. Using someone else’s number can compromise your account security.

13. What is a postpaid phone number, and why is it preferred by Blizzard? A postpaid phone number is one where you receive services from a provider and pay the bill at the end of the billing cycle. Blizzard prefers these because they are seen as more secure and less likely to be used for fraudulent activities compared to prepaid plans.

14. What happens if I change my phone number? If you change your phone number, you’ll need to update it on your Battle.net account to maintain access to Overwatch 2. You can do this by logging into your account and updating the phone number in the account details section.

15. Where can I learn more about the impact of games on learning and society? You can find a wealth of information on the impact of games on learning and society at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to get more information about video games and culture.

In conclusion, the phone number requirement in Overwatch 2 remains a complex and controversial issue. While Blizzard has made some concessions, the underlying security concerns persist, and SMS Protect continues to impact new players and those with previously unlinked accounts. Only time will tell if Blizzard will further refine its approach to account security and accessibility.