DOTA 2 Requires Phone Number To Play In Ranked Matches To Prevent Multiple Accounts

• comments
• 
• 

The ability to play in ranked matches with other gamers is one of the attractive features of "DOTA 2." However, with the recent DotA 2 website, users may need to link a unique phone number to their account in order to play in ranked matches.

PC Gamer reports that the objective of the new requirement is to lessen the number of players who use multiple accounts in ranked matches. In a blog post, the Valve says that this practice results to a "negative matchmaking experience at all skill brackets." By requiring phone numbers for each account, it will create a positive effect from players using their primary accounts. Valve had the same policy with "CS: Go's Prime Matchmaking."

Gamers can utilize their multiple accounts until May 4 only. After that, accounts not linked to a unique phone number will not be allowed to compete in ranked matches. It will be impossible to remove a linked number to a DotA account once registered. A new number can be added right away but the removed number will be rendered useless for a period of 3 months.

Uber Gizmo reveals that the practice of "smurfing," can create a lot of numbers. Creating secondary accounts to play ranked matches in DotA gives gamers the freedom to do what they want since it is not their main account. For example, the user can quit halfway in the match or just screw the game up because it will not have any impact on them.

Valve also revealed that registering numbers from online services will also not be allowed. So users will not be able to register their Google Voice number. Aside from the registration of a unique phone number, Valve also announced several other changes such as party changes, the return of ranked solo queue, and enhanced handling of nefarious behavior.