Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Image via Blizzard Entertainment

Overwatch 2 will require phone numbers, voice recording consent to combat player toxicity

Fighting toxic behavior by any means.

Gameplay integrity is at the forefront of Activision Blizzard’s mind as the release of Overwatch 2 approaches, and the developers have released their “Defensive Matrix Initiative” plan that will combat negative gameplay experiences such as general toxicity and smurfing. This initiative, with the best intentions, might come with some controversy as it will require players to have a phone number and consent to voice recording.

Recommended Videos

Blizzard outlined their goals to promote positive behavior through a set of goals that include “[nurturing] programs that will ensure a positive experience for all players,” as well as “[ensuring] competitive integrity” and “[creating] a safer community.” With this, once Overwatch 2 drops on October 4, you’ll have to link your phone number if you want to play.

SMS Protect will hopefully combat cheating and disruptive behavior, which should in theory make your competitive climb a little less torturous. Naturally, you’ll only be able to use a phone number only one time, but you also won’t be able to use prepaid/VOIP phone lines. This will inevitably isolate a sizable amount of the playerbase, which Blizzard will likely have to navigate at some point.

What may be more or less controversial depending on who you ask are audio transcriptions, which will allow Blizzard to “collect a temporary voice chat recording of a reported player and automatically transcribe it through speech to text programs.” This transcription will then be analyzed by chat review tools, which will identify toxic behavior.

These systems will go into place as Overwatch 2 drops on October 4, so get your phone numbers out if you want to experience the new free-to-play version of Overwatch. You’re going to want to check out all the new maps coming to the game, as well as get in there and start earning rewards via the battle pass.


Gamepur is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Joshua Chu
Joshua Chu
Joshua Chu is a Contributing Writer at Gamepur and is known for fantastic guides on Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. They cover a variety of interesting tips and tricks to succeed in the games, and how best to tackle each world. Joshua also has writing at Kotaku and PCInvation.