Why is Overwatch asking for my phone number?

Why is Overwatch Asking for My Phone Number?

In recent years, Blizzard Entertainment’s popular team-based shooter game, Overwatch, has introduced a new requirement for players to register a phone number to their Battle.net account. This has raised many questions and concerns among gamers, leaving them wondering why this additional step is necessary. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this requirement and explore some possible solutions for those who are hesitant to provide their phone number.

What’s the Purpose of Requiring a Phone Number?

According to Blizzard, the primary reason for asking for a phone number is to prevent bad actors from exploiting the game’s security system. By verifying a phone number, Blizzard aims to prevent cheating and account hacking by limiting the number of times a player can create an account and cycle through different phone numbers.

Another Reason: Account Security and SMS Protect

In Overwatch 2, players are required to activate SMS Protect, a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access to their accounts. SMS Protect sends a verification code to the registered phone number when a player logs in to their account, ensuring that the login attempt is genuine. This adds an extra layer of security to protect players’ accounts from phishing attacks and hacking attempts.

Benefits of Requiring a Phone Number

Requiring a phone number may have some benefits for players and the game community:

• Account Security: As mentioned earlier, a phone number provides an additional layer of security to prevent hacking and phishing attacks.
• Better Customer Support: Having a phone number linked to the account makes it easier for Blizzard to contact players for support or account verification purposes.
• Streamlined Account Management: By verifying a phone number, Blizzard can automate the account recovery process, making it easier for players to regain access to their accounts if they forget their password.

Who is Affected by the Phone Number Requirement?

Only players who have played the first Overwatch game after June 9, 2021, are exempt from the phone number requirement. If you haven’t played the first game after this date, you’ll need to register a phone number to play Overwatch 2.

Possible Solutions for Those Without a Phone Number

For players who are hesitant to provide their phone number or don’t have a suitable phone number, here are some possible solutions:

• Burner Phone Service: Consider using a temporary or burner phone service like Dingtone or MobileSMS, which can provide a temporary phone number for your account.
• Phone Number Sharing: If you live with someone who has an active phone number, you can ask them to add their number to your Battle.net account.

Why Can’t I Play Without a Phone Number?

The phone number requirement is a security measure to prevent bad actors from exploiting the game’s security system. However, Blizzard understands that this may be a burden for some players, especially those who don’t have a suitable phone number or prefer not to share their personal information.

In Conclusion

Requiring a phone number for Overwatch accounts may seem inconvenient, but it’s a necessary measure to ensure account security and prevent cheating. By providing a phone number, players can enjoy a safer and more secure gaming experience. If you’re concerned about sharing your personal information, consider using a burner phone service or asking a family member to add their number to your account. With this new requirement, Overwatch players can rest assured that their accounts are better protected and more secure.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Do I need a phone number for Overwatch 2?
  • Yes, Overwatch 2 requires a phone number to activate SMS Protect and ensure account security.
• What if I don’t have a suitable phone number?
  • Consider using a burner phone service or asking a family member to add their number to your account.
• Why do I need to provide my phone number?
  • To prevent bad actors from exploiting the game’s security system and to ensure account security.
• What if I don’t want to provide my phone number?
  • Unfortunately, not providing a phone number is not an option for new Overwatch players. Existing players who haven’t played the first game after June 9, 2021, are exempt from the phone number requirement.

Summary:

Requiring a phone number for Overwatch accounts is a necessary measure to ensure account security and prevent cheating. While it may seem inconvenient, this added step provides an extra layer of protection for players and helps prevent bad actors from exploiting the game’s security system. If you’re concerned about sharing your personal information, consider using a burner phone service or asking a family member to add their number to your account.