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.
Discussion (13 replies)
Join Discussion →Like... really, Acti-Blizz?! ?
Acti-Blizz STILL have not learned that all their failed tricks, you STILL CANNOT beat us!! ALWAYS 3-steps ahead of ya!
???
~ cough ~ *burner-numbers* ~ cough ~
It also requires me to buy it.
Next up: They'll require you to take a selfie of yourself holding up your ID. No kidding instagram is already doing that.
Seems like this is only for new accounts. If this required me to do this now I probably wouldn't bother with the game.
two words... google voice. <-- Yea yea I know google is the devil but I bet you SOB's have throwaway google accounts anyway. Get yourself a free google voice number and register it there. Problem solved.
As someone who will probably never play Overwatch 2, my concern is minimal. :)
I don't play any online or multiplayer games of any sort. It's a disturbing trend with online services of all types, and has only been getting worse. Don't be surprised when MS starts requiring a mobile phone to install Windows (some people don't even own smart phones).
I tried overwatch 2 briefly yesterday, did not need a phone nr to do so.
Also here in Belgium there is no such thing as a burner phone anymore (not that theyw oud work for this anyways), even prepaid simcards need to be registered to a user or they wont work.
Uhm... In the West, etc., burner-numbers (and oodles of more circumvent tactics ?) has been confirmed and blessed to work very effectively. ?
It only works with a permanent number from a major carrier I’m told - no burner phones, no pay as you go services, no voip services
*sighs*
C'mon, Gurus. You guys can't be this out of touch or believe all the fear-mongers nonsense.
Uhm... StraightTalk, ETC., does work! ...and soooOOooo many other... uhm... things. ?
Well, part of it is that I don’t really care and have no plan to even try it.
Part of it is - well, yeah you can work around it - just like you can “work at round” draconian DRM, but that doesn’t make its use right or something you should excuse
Finally, I should post a source for my info. It has since been updated from when I last read it so it looks like the system has changed some already:
[URL unfurl="true"]https://kotaku.com/overwatch-2-phone-requirement-fps-blizzard-cricket-mint-1849620021[/URL]
Mandatory "2FA" that requires a phone is complete BS, and has nothing to with security.
Oh... Let me be clear, I never doubted the ill verbatim articles that's everywhere about the forced BS, without none of these writers/so-called investigative journalist, confirming any of it.