'Overwatch 2' Scraps SMS Protect Feature Following Rough Launch

A new version of the popular team-based multiplayer first-person shooter is now readily accessible. Overwatch 2's massive fanbase has since broadcast unreasonable features on the Internet, like character paywalls and account settings.

Despite having access to the original Overwatch game, "Overwatch 2" will require players to link a phone number to their Battle.net accounts. This new feature already took effect last Oct. 4, the game's official release. It will reportedly affect all platforms, including consoles.

SMS Protect Recalled

Blizzard announced on Sept. 27 that it would be implementing a new security feature called SMS Protect. This feature is intended to bring about "meaningful change" in the online mecha shooter by preventing disruptive play and cheating. The SMS Protect feature was created to assist users in verifying their accounts in the event of an account compromise.

To elaborate, this feature serves as a form of punishment for "Overwatch 2" players who commit in-game violations. How does it function? To launch "Overwatch 2," players on all platforms, including consoles, must have a phone number associated with their battle.net account. In this way, SMS Protect makes it more difficult for cheaters and griefers to return to the game.

Following multiple reports, Blizzard has recently decided to remove SMS Protect as an "Overwatch 2" account mechanism. According to a GamesRadar article, Blizzard has "made the decision to remove phone number requirements."

A community manager for "Overwatch 2" announced earlier today, Oct. 6, that several issues have arisen with the first run of the shooter game overhaul. While millions of "Overwatch 2" players have begun to enjoy the game, a significant number of "Overwatch 2" players continue to encounter various errors upon entering the game. To sum it up, the game did not live up to the expectations of the player base and the people behind "Overwatch 2."

After years of inactivity for the original game, the release of "Overwatch 2" was meant to be a cause for celebration. Dexerto tells us that a rough 'early access' launch has left many disappointed with the rollout.

According to the launch status update, "Overwatch 2" developers are working around the clock to make the game run smoothly and fix existing issues. With many players expressing dissatisfaction with the game's rocky launch, Overwatch's transparency is commendable in assuaging the gaming community's growing doubt and frustration.

What's Next?

"As a team, we will keep listening to ongoing feedback and will make further adjustments in this area if required," the launch update assured the "Overwatch 2" player base.

Furthermore, the "Overwatch 2" team has begun to address issues such as queueing, server crashes, and stability. The developers have informed players that they have made changes to simplify the queuing process and that players should now only encounter one queue before entering the game.

Stay tuned for the most recent "Overwatch 2" launch news.