Blizzard Removes Part of Overwatch 2’s Phone Verification System Amidst Backlash 

Overwatch 2’s release has been nothing short of an absolute disaster, with the game being hit by massive DDoS attacks immediately after its release, causing server issues and connectivity problems.  

Players had to wait for hours since the game wouldn’t go further beyond the loading screen. Many players, who wanted to have their cosmetics from their previous Overwatch account to the new one, couldn’t do so even if they connected the account of the original game to the sequel.  

Amidst all the problems, Blizzard added an extra layer of security while logging in, which required players to enter their mobile number linked with their account during the login process in order to cut back on “both cheating and disruptive behavior” in the game.  

Blizzard Removes Part of Overwatch 2's Phone Verification System Amidst Backlash
Junker Queen from Overwatch 2

While Blizzard hasn’t completely removed the unnecessary layer of security of phone number requirement, it has cut back on the amount of players required to have a mobile number associated with their account in order to play Overwatch 2. Blizzard has additionally provided a statement along with the update: 

Any Overwatch player with a connected Battle.net account, which includes all players who have played since June 9, 2021, will not have to provide a phone number to play. We are working to make this change and expect it to go live on Friday, October 7. We will update players once it is in effect. 

We remain committed to combating disruptive behavior in Overwatch 2—accounts that were not connected to Battle.net as well as new accounts will still have to meet SMS Protect requirements, which helps to ensure we’re protecting our community against cheating. If a player is caught engaging in disruptive behavior, their account may be banned whether they have a new account or not. 

As a team, we will keep listening to ongoing feedback and will make further adjustments in this area if it is required.

Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Removes Part of Overwatch 2's Phone Verification System Amidst Backlash
Updated Character Models from Overwatch 2

The problem with the phone number security owed to players having a pre-paid phone with a pre-paid plan, which made it impossible for millions of players to play Overwatch 2. A prepaid phone isn’t considered valid, hence barring players to get access to Overwatch 2 which made the situation much worse.  

While this should be a positive update for Overwatch 2 players, the phone number verification system hasn’t been completely removed. New accounts joining BattleNet in future will “still have to meet SMS Protect requirements,” Blizzard added.

About Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 is an upcoming first-person shooter developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. The sequel to the 2016 hero shooter Overwatch, the game is intended to have a shared environment for player-versus-player (PvP) modes with the first game while introducing persistent cooperative modes. A major change in PvP was to reduce team sizes from six to five, which required several characters to be reworked.

Overwatch 2 is set to launch as free-to-play on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in early access on October 4, 2022. It will feature full cross-platform play.

Epic Dope Staff

Epic Dope Staff

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