Overwatch 2’s mobile phone verification system isn’t working for some players
The new security measure has been brought in to combat cheating and disruptive behaviour
Overwatch 2‘s new mobile phone verification system isn’t working for some players.
Starting on October 4, when the sequel will be released, all players across all platforms will be required to have a phone number attached to their Battle.net account in order to launch Overwatch 2.
“This additional layer of security is an industry-proven solution in combating both cheating and disruptive behaviour, further protecting your Overwatch 2 experience from bad actors,” Blizzard said of the security measure this week.
Update
Overwatch 2 servers are down following a “mass DDoS attack” on the game’s launch day.
Update 2
Players on pre-paid mobile phone plans are being locked out of playing Overwatch 2.
But according to multiple posts on the Blizzard forums (via PCGamesN), some players are having issues linking their phones to their Battle.net accounts.
Some players who have yet to attach their number to an account are reporting that the system is telling them that their number is already in use, while others claim they’re not receiving SMS verification codes as intended.
As well as the security aspects of the new requirement, Blizzard has said it’s been introduced to discourage users from ‘smurfing’, which sees experienced players using a secondary account in order to face lower-skilled players.
Blizzard recently revealed new Overwatch 2 hero Kiriko and explained how the free-to-play game’s battle pass will work.
Further reading
Overwatch 2 reveals new hero and Season 1 battle pass details
The premium battle pass will cost 1,000 Overwatch Coins (equivalent of $10), which can be purchased directly or earned over time by completing weekly challenges.
Blizzard began distributing the first wave of Diablo 4 closed end game beta invites this week.
