Overwatch 2 is still coming under fire for its implementation of SMS Protect. At launch, everyone who wanted to play had to give Blizzard their phone number. Prepaid phone numbers were not accepted, essentially punishing anyone who couldn't afford a phone contract. Now, just as the controversy began to die down, it's likely to kick off again.
Modern Warfare 2 will have the same SMS Protect requirements, with seemingly all players having to provide a number that is not attached to a prepaid phone. This could result in numerous fans being locked out of playing the game, just as we're seeing with Overwatch 2.
"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, newly created Overwatch 2 accounts, and newly created Call of Duty: Modern Warfare accounts require a phone number," reads the webpage on the subject. "Mobile phones with prepaid plans may not work with the phone notification service."
Given the wording of this statement, it seems likely that all Modern Warfare players will need to provide a phone number. In Overwatch 2, it is now only a requirement for new players.
Perhaps given the backlash to Overwatch 2's implementation of the system, Blizzard was very quiet in announcing that it will also be a requirement for Modern Warfare 2. The news was only actually just spotted by VGC, who noticed that the page explaining SMS Protect was updated to mention the upcoming Call of Duty game.
The wording may be a mistake, however, given that Overwatch 2 now only requires new players to provide a phone number. Yet even if that is the case, that doesn't necessarily make it much easier. Despite being a returning player, I couldn't log in to Overwatch without a number, leaving me stuck on the title screen. It's not clear if this is because my number used to be part of a prepaid plan, or because it is attached to a SIM-only deal. If either of those things applies to you, it might be a good idea to get a buddy on standby, in case you need to use their number.
In any case, Modern Warfare 2 is set to launch October 28. That still gives Activision Blizzard a bit of time to further explain how exactly this will work.