Will Overwatch 2 Record Voice Chat?

You may need want to know, will Overwatch 2 record voice chat? Blizzard recently announced the Overwatch 2 Defense Matrix initiative, which has a few different features to improve the safety, security, and community of the Overwatch sequel, while also making life harder for cheaters. It's not hard to come across toxicity and disruptive behaviour in online multiplayer these days, so a system specifically designed to combat this is a welcome change. So if you want to learn a little more about the Defense Matrix, check out our answer to the question, will Overwatch 2 record voice chat?

• You may also want to know how to set up Overwatch 2 SMS protect, which requires all players to link a mobile phone number with their Overwatch account. 

Will Overwatch 2 Record Voice Chat?

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So, the short answer is that as part of the Overwatch 2 Defense Matrix initiative, voice chat will be recorded. This system won't be in the game immediately, but is set to be added shortly after launch on October 4, according to the blog post on the Overwatch website. 

The blog post about the Defense Matrix initiative also outlines how the voice recording will work. Audio transcriptions will be created so that Blizzard can collect a temporary voice chat recording of reported players, where it will automatically be transcribed by speech-to-text programs. The text file will then be analysed for disruptive behaviour by special chat review tools so that the players can be punished if needed. It also notes that these voice recordings aren't stored permanently, as they are deleted soon after they are used, and the text transcriptions are deleted "no later than 30 days after the audio transcription." 

The blog also goes on to say that players should report players who are disruptive in voice chat immediately due to the voice recordings not being stored long-term. For those who are a little uncomfortable with the idea of Blizzard recording and potentially holding their voice on file, sadly there is no way to back out of it and by agreeing to the terms when starting Overwatch 2, you are also agreeing to the Defense Matrix terms. 

That's all for our answer to the question, will Overwatch 2 record voice chat, and now you know how the system is set to work. 

You may also want to know about the Overwatch 2 season 1 patch notes to see the changes made shortly before launch.