Valve has just released a new update for Dota 2 to improve the matchmaking experience. This includes major change for the ranked matchmaking system which has caused quite a bit of debate. Players will now need to link their phone numbers to their accounts in order to play ranked matches.

A blog post from Valve states that “players using multiple accounts” results in a “negative matchmaking experience at all skill brackets”. As a result, the developer is looking to reduce the number of multiple accounts for the ranked section of the game. According to Valve, having more players use their primary accounts for ranked will “have a positive effect on both Ranked and Unranked matchmaking”.

Starting from today, players have a two week grace period. This grace period is so that players have the time to link their mobile phone number with the game. Starting from May 4th, accounts without a registered phone number will be unable to play Ranked matches.

However, it’s possible to remove the number from the account and add a new one. If a number is removed, there’s a three-month waiting period until the removed number can be attached to a new account. According to the blog post, the aim is to prevent people from using the same number on multiple accounts.

Valve has also stated that online services which provide phone numbers are not allowed. However, the developer didn’t explain how they plan to stop players from using these services.

The latest Dota 2 update has also arrived with changes to Solo Queue, Parties, matchmaking and some regional changes. The full details of the patch can be found on the official blog post here.

Valve will most likely release another blog post about the new change to the game. We’ll provide you with more information once the company releases another statement.