After much backlash, developers of Overwatch 2's mass DDoS attacks and an authentication system that's been preventing players from logging in. What devs are calling SMS Protect was put in place to reduce the amount of cheating and fake s. It's not the only new feature to release with Blizzard's sequel.
This week's turbulent launch has prevented many players from being able to try the newly updated 5v5 battles featured in Overwatch 2. Server issues are actively being fixed, and wait times are decreasing. Still, one security measure for that requires players to a phone number is preventing fans with prepaid plans from logging in. That is about to change in order to help more Overwatch 2 fans experience the free-to-play action.
Fans who have played the first Overwatch game since June of last year will no longer require a phone number to starting Friday, October 7. A post from the team's community manager on the Blizzard website (via IGN) outlined many of Overwatch 2's launch problems and what is being done to fix them. The s of those who have played the first game since June 9, 2021 should automatically be connected, since there's less of a risk of these s belonging to hackers. However, new players and veteran players without a connected Battle.net will still be required to use a phone number that meets Blizzard's requirements.
One Less Hurdle To Play Overwatch 2
The game's competitive nature and ever-evolving meta suffered from a lack of quick updates over the last few years. Many fans felt these poor patching habits constituted Overwatch's biggest problem that needed fixing. Although OW2 feels more like a required update than a full sequel, the entire game was built on a new engine. Developers at Blizzard feel the new system will be easier to tweak and update as problems arise for the live service game. If what they say is true, patches and balance issues will be remedied faster than fans are used to.
Players who have managed to get into OW2 matches have been able to have fun, in spite of the imperfect launch. The game's large amount of new unlockables and skins can be both bought with real money and earned through Overwatch 2's battle es, which players are progressing through faster than they anticipated. Still, while returning players have one less restriction keeping them out of the game, new players continue to need a phone number to play Overwatch 2. Time will tell if the SMS Protect system will stay in place or if developers will find a way to prevent cheaters while also allowing more people to enjoy what the game offers.
Source: Blizzard Forums (via IGN)
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