Overwatch 2 is coming out in a few days and Blizzard wants at all costs to prevent toxic players from polluting the games. To combat unacceptable behavior, the studio introduced drastic new measures. For example, a phone number will be required for all players.
Overwatch 2 arrives on October 4. If the differences may seem minimal with its elder, this new component stands out for its 5v5 matches (against 6v6) but also and above all for its economic model: it will be free-to-play. This system makes it possible to attract even more players, who finance the title by buying cosmetic items in the online store. The other side of the coin is it multiplies toxic behaviors.
Blizzard knows it and decided to bulldoze it to avoid having unsavory players on his baby. In a blog post, the studio explains its new measures. They are drastic. Will they prove effective? That is the question.
Overwatch 2 will ask you for your phone number
This new anti-troll system is called Defense Matrix, in reference to the character of D.VA, one of the heroines of Overwatch. It concerns the competitive games, therefore those most likely to see my moms mentioned in the text or voice chat.
The phone numbers of all players, without exception, will be requested at the first connection. It is already possible to add yours to your Battle net account, but there was nothing mandatory until now. Each number can only be associated with one account. If a player is banned, he will therefore need a new number in order to connect. Something to clean up already. Moreover, the reporting system will be improved. Audio transcription software will be set up, putting down the players’ words in writing. This will help moderators decide. We just have to hope that the reporting system is up to date and that abuses are avoided.
Finally, new players will not have not access to all social features at the beginning of their adventure. You will have to do a few games to unlock the chat, heroes and certain game modes. This will prevent neophyte games from being polluted by trolls who have only created an account to make a mess, but also to apprehend the title without being overwhelmed by a ton of information. Note that this progressive unlocking system will only apply to those who have created an account from October 4th. Former players are therefore not affected.
These drastic measures have a clear objective: to banish toxic players. It is true that many free-to-play are polluted by trolls and other haters. Will this be enough to stem this phenomenon? Isn’t Blizzard going a bit too far? We’ll have the results very soon, with Overwatch 2 going live on October 4th.
Source : Blizzard
