Do I Still Need a Phone Number for Overwatch 2?
In the midst of excitement and anticipation, the new season of Overwatch 2 has finally arrived. However, before you dive into the game, you may have wondered about the necessity of adding a phone number to your Battle.net account. In this article, we’ll answer this question and explore the reasoning behind it.
Direct Answer
In simple terms, yes, you still need a phone number for Overwatch 2. However, this requirement has been amended, and not everyone needs to add a phone number to their Battle.net account. Let’s break it down further to understand the specifics.
New Changes in Phone Verification for Overwatch 2
Prior to the release of Overwatch 2, Blizzard, the game’s developer, had announced that they would no longer require phone numbers for all players. Instead, existing players with a connected Battle.net account who had played Overwatch since June 9, 2021, would be exempt from this requirement.
However, new players or those who created a new account after June 9, 2021, would still need to add a phone number to play Overwatch 2. This is due to the game’s anti-fraud measures, which involve SMS Protect, a system designed to verify legitimate phone numbers and prevent instances of fraud or scams.
Reasons for Phone Number Requirement
Blizzard implemented the phone number requirement for Overwatch 2 to ensure the following:
- Authenticity and Security: The SMS Protect system verifies that a player’s phone number is legitimate, thereby preventing fraud and ensuring that accounts are not compromised.
- Game Integrity: Phone number verification helps prevent hackers from creating multiple accounts, thereby maintaining the game’s integrity and preventing unfair play.
- Anti-Spam Measures: Phone number verification also helps to reduce spam and other malicious activities that can disrupt the gaming experience.
Impact on Players
While adding a phone number to your Battle.net account may seem like an inconvenience, it’s an essential step to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. However, players who created new accounts after June 9, 2021, or those who did not meet the exemption criteria will need to add a phone number to play Overwatch 2.
Removal of Old Phone Numbers
For those who added a phone number to their account in the past, you may wonder how to remove the old phone number from your Battle.net account. To update or remove an old phone number, log in to your Account Details page. If your account is linked to an SMS number, you’ll need to remove it to continue playing Overwatch 2.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while adding a phone number to your Battle.net account may be required for some players, the process has been streamlined for existing players. Remember to update your phone number on your Account Details page if you need to. With this information, you’re now equipped to dive into the world of Overwatch 2 with confidence.