Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will seemingly require players to register a phone number before they can play the action shooter, according to an updated support article from Blizzard that details phone requirements for some of the latest games on Battle.net. It appears that mobile numbers with prepaid plans may not work, meaning that those who have a pay-as-you-go contract on their phone might have trouble getting into Infinity Ward’s new sequel. Overwatch 2 recently released on Battle.net with a similar requirement, although it’s been removed for some players following the usual controversy.
“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, newly created Overwatch 2 accounts, and newly created Call of Duty: Modern Warfare accounts require a phone number,” a portion of the article reads, followed by a listing of eligible devices and limitations.
- Messaging apps like iMessage (iOS) or WhatsApp (iOS, Android) are not supported.
- Mobile phones with prepaid plans may not work with the phone notification service.
- Phone notifications cannot be used with Voice over IP (VoIP), and VoIP numbers that are transferred to a local provider are not eligible for the service.
From a VGC report:
The SMS Protect two-factor authentication system proved controversial when it was implemented in Overwatch 2, after players on prepaid mobile phones reported being locked out of the game.
Blizzard subsequently apologised and removed the phone number requirement for some players, mainly those who had been signed up to Battle.net for more than a year.
However, new players still have to provide a number, with Blizzard adding: “We remain committed to combating disruptive behavior in Overwatch 2 – accounts that were not connected to Battle.net as well as new accounts will still have to meet SMS Protect requirements.”
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 won’t officially release until October 28, but those who pre-order the game can get early access to the campaign, starting on October 20. Developed by Infinity Ward, Modern Warfare 2 is a direct sequel to the 2019 reboot that centers on the further adventures of Task Force 141, whose members include Captain John Price and Simon “Ghost” Riley.