Is SMS Protect removed from Overwatch 2?

Is SMS Protect Removed from Overwatch 2? A Complete Update

Blizzard Entertainment, the developer and publisher of Overwatch 2, has made significant changes to the game’s setup process. In a recent update, the company announced the removal of SMS Protect requirement for a majority of existing Overwatch players. But, what does this mean? And what are the implications for new players? This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the changes, so you can stay ahead of the curve.

The Old System: What was SMS Protect?

SMS Protect was a requirement for players to verify their phone number with Blizzard using SMS verification. This meant that new players had to enter their phone number when creating a Battle.net account to play Overwatch 2. This system was initially put in place to verify legitimate phone numbers and combat fraudulent activity.

But Why the Change?

In an official statement, Blizzard explained that the system was not as effective as they had hoped. With the increased number of hackers and cheaters, it was difficult to maintain this system, and it restricted some legitimate players from fully enjoying the game. Specifically, some players with pre-paid phone services were experiencing difficulties verifying their numbers and, as a result, were unable to play Overwatch 2.

Breaking News: SMS Protect Removal

As mentioned earlier, Blizzard has announced that it is removing the SMS Protect requirement for a majority of existing Overwatch players. This change will allow millions of players to play without having to verify their phone numbers. However, please note that this change does not apply to new players, who will still be required to verify their phone numbers.

Not All Phone Numbers are Treated Equal

It seems that the removal of SMS Protect only applies to "a majority" of players. Unfortunately, this is not a blanket exemption, and some players may still be required to verify their phone numbers. Specifically, Blizzard mentioned that some "pre-paid service plans define their plans differently," meaning that players with these services may still need to validate their phone numbers.

How Will This Affect Gameplay?

The removal of SMS Protect will provide more flexibility for players without having to worry about additional steps to verify their account. For new players, however, the verification process remains unchanged. They will still need to enter and verify their phone number.

Impact on Competitive Gaming

For competitive players and those interested in participating in professional Overwatch tournaments, SMS Protect removal may have more significant implications. Without verified phone numbers, the process of ensuring fair play might be more challenging. Stay tuned for further updates as Blizzard adjusts its systems.

Key Takeaways:

• SMS Protect no longer required for most existing Overwatch players (a majority)
• The removal only applies to most players; some may still need to verify their phone numbers
• New players will still need to enter and verify their phone number
• Competitive gaming could be impacted by the absence of verified phone numbers; Blizzard is working to mitigate any potential issues

Stay ahead of the curve!