Will Overwatch 2 Need a Phone Number?
The highly anticipated release of Overwatch 2 has sparked a lot of excitement among gamers. However, Blizzard’s latest policy change has raised a few eyebrows. In a recent announcement, the gaming giant revealed that players who had previously played Overwatch 1 will not be required to provide a phone number to play Overwatch 2. But what does this mean for new players?
What is the Change?
As of the release of Overwatch 2, players who had already played Overwatch 1 do not need to provide a phone number to play. This means that existing players can simply log in using their existing Battle.net account credentials without being prompted for a phone number. On the other hand, new players will still be required to provide a phone number to play Overwatch 2.
Why the Change?
The reason for this change is largely attributed to the backlash Blizzard faced from the gaming community after introducing the phone number requirement for Overwatch 1. Many players were unhappy about the requirement, citing privacy concerns and frustration with having to provide their phone numbers. In response, Blizzard has opted to reverse this policy for existing players.
How Does This Affect New Players?
For new players, the phone number requirement remains unchanged. To play Overwatch 2, new players will still need to provide a phone number, which will be used for SMS-based notifications. These notifications can include things like login warnings, friend requests, and in-game events.
What if I Already Have a Phone Number Linked to My Account?
If you already have a phone number linked to your account, you can update or remove it on your Account Details page. However, keep in mind that Battle.net Phone Notifications are designed for text-enabled mobile phones, and messaging apps like iMessage or WhatsApp are not supported.
Additional Information
Here are a few key points to note:
- Games that require an SMS number to be played will not be accessible if the SMS number is removed from your Battle.net account.
- If you do not recall your account information, you can attempt to locate your account by providing the first and last name of the account holder, as well as any email addresses associated with the account.
- Blizzard’s privacy policy states that it does not sell, trade, or rent personal information collected through the Properties, including phone numbers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the requirement for a phone number to play Overwatch 2 is a complex topic. While existing players can breathe a sigh of relief, new players will still need to provide a phone number to play. If you’re a new player, it’s essential to understand the implications of linking your phone number to your account. Additionally, existing players who want to remove their phone number can do so on their Account Details page.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the phone number requirement for Overwatch 2?
- Existing players who had played Overwatch 1 do not need to provide a phone number to play Overwatch 2. New players will still need to provide a phone number to play.
- Can I change or remove my phone number linked to my account?
- Yes, you can update or remove your phone number on your Account Details page.
- What information do I need to recall my account information?
- You can attempt to locate your account by providing the first and last name of the account holder, as well as any email addresses associated with the account.
- Is Blizzard’s use of phone numbers for game notifications privacy invasive?
- According to Blizzard’s privacy policy, it does not sell, trade, or rent personal information collected through the Properties, including phone numbers.
I hope you found this article helpful!