Do You Have to Give Your Phone Number to Play Overwatch 2?
The recent release of Overwatch 2 has raised concerns among gamers about the requirement to provide a phone number to play the game. Blizzard, the developer of the game, has implemented this requirement to ensure account security and to provide a better gaming experience for players. But does this mean that all players are required to give up their phone numbers? In this article, we’ll delve into the details and answer the question.
A Majority of Existing Overwatch Players Are Exempt
Blizzard has announced that existing Overwatch players who played the game after June 9, 2021, are no longer required to provide a phone number to play Overwatch 2. This is because these players have already gone through the SMS Protect verification process, which is an added security measure to protect their accounts.
New Players May Need to Provide a Phone Number
However, new players who are signing up for Overwatch 2 may need to provide a phone number to complete the account registration process. This is because Blizzard wants to ensure that all new accounts are legitimate and not used for fraudulent purposes.
Pre-Paid Phones and VOIP Numbers Are Not Supported
Blizzard has clarified that pre-paid phones and VOIP numbers are not supported for the SMS Protect verification process. This means that players who use these types of numbers will not be able to verify their accounts and play the game.
Why Is a Phone Number Required?
So, why is a phone number required to play Overwatch 2? Blizzard has implemented this requirement to ensure that all accounts are legitimate and to prevent fraud. By verifying phone numbers, Blizzard can:
• Prevent account hijacking: By verifying phone numbers, Blizzard can prevent hackers from taking over player accounts.
• Improve account security: Verified phone numbers can help prevent unauthorized access to player accounts.
• Provide better customer support: Verified phone numbers can help Blizzard provide better customer support to players who need assistance.
Alternative Options for New Players
For new players who do not have a phone number or prefer not to provide one, there are alternative options available. For example, players can use a burner phone service to create a temporary phone number for verification purposes. However, Blizzard does not support all pre-paid phone services, so players should check with their phone service provider before using this option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, not all players are required to provide a phone number to play Overwatch 2. Existing Overwatch players who played the game after June 9, 2021, are exempt from this requirement. However, new players may need to provide a phone number to complete the account registration process. Blizzard has implemented this requirement to ensure account security and to prevent fraud. While some players may find this requirement inconvenient, it is an important step in protecting player accounts and providing a better gaming experience.