*UPDATED* Activision confirm only PC gamers will need to use SMS protect to play MW2

Activision has confirmed only PC gamers with unverified accounts will need to reveal their phone number if they’re to play Modern Warfare 2.

As spotted by PC Gamer, a previous update to the Blizzard support website in reference to Battle.net revealed the initial requirement, saying that “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, newly created Overwatch 2 accounts, and newly created Call of Duty: Modern Warfare accounts require a phone number.”

Now, however, the Blizzard support website has apparently been updated once again as it has removed its previous restriction on using pre-paid phones for its SMS Protect system.

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In case you’re not familiar, the system, which is called SMS Protect and was originally used in Overwatch 2, required players to attach an active phone number to their account, in order to play the game.

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Blizzard said this requirement helps to ensure the security on existing accounts, and helps crack down on disposable dummy accounts created with the express intent of disrupting the community.

But as seen with Overwatch 2 and Modern Warfare 2’s releases, the previous system had not been welcomed warmly by the community. At first, many fans found themselves unable to attach their number – especially if they had a prepaid or VOIP number.

Because of the backlash from the fan base, Blizzard has now enabled SMS Protect to accept pre-paid phones globally for both Overwatch 2 and MW2. This loosening of the company’s strict anti-cheat guidelines now allows more of its players to access both titles freely.

Until now, however, VOIP systems cannot be used for the service according to the latest Blizzard support website update.

Additionally, the system still does not allow more than one account to be attached to a phone number. A phone number must also be detached from one account before it can be attached to another.

Then of course, there are still concerns with allowing Activision Blizzard people’s personal phone numbers and what they could do in the future with that data.

In fact, the initial system had proved so unpopular with fans, that Blizzard would later make changes to the system for Overwatch 2 as they apologised for the game’s launch issues.

Instead of all accounts being required to use the service, only accounts made after the launch of Overwatch 2 are now forced to meet this requirement.

Activision have since confirmed that only PC players will be required to enter their phone number to play. Those with existing Modern Warfare or Warzone verified accounts will not be required to reveal any more personal information.

Modern Warfare 2 was launched on October 28 – and Warzone 2, the follow-up to its popular battle royale mode, was released on November 16 together with the Season 1 Battle Pass.

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