Blizzard Issues Overwatch 2 Permanent Ban for Player Who Said “Noob”

Blizzard Enforces Permanent Overwatch 2 Ban for Player Who Said “Noob”

Overwatch 2 players may want to be extra cautious with their in-game chat, as Blizzard has confirmed a permanent ban for a user who called another player a “noob.”

Since launch, Overwatch 2 has slowly rebuilt its community through new heroes, fresh game modes, and competitive features such as hero bans and map voting. But while gameplay updates have been welcomed, Blizzard’s strict communication rules continue to spark debate.

According to a Reddit post, one player was permanently suspended for “inappropriate communications.” The reported chat log showed only three words: “noob,” “?,” and “worth.” When the user appealed, Blizzard refused to overturn the penalty. A support Game Master explained that the account had received “multiple penalties for this type of behavior” and the permanent ban would remain in place.

While “noob” is commonly used as a light-hearted jab in online gaming, Blizzard appears to be applying a zero-tolerance policy toward any potentially offensive language. The decision has triggered backlash across the community, with players criticizing the company for being overly strict. One user wrote, “Unbelievably pathetic. ‘Noob’ is a player title, not an insult.”

This is not the first time Blizzard’s moderation policies have caused controversy. In 2024, professional player Mason “durpee” Kuehne was banned for typing “f**k,” despite the profanity being humorously referenced in hero Cassidy’s belt design. Earlier that year, another player reported being suspended for typing “GG,” “yippee,” and “nice shot.”

With Blizzard showing no signs of softening its chat enforcement, Overwatch 2 players are being warned to avoid even casual or joking phrases—or risk losing access to their accounts permanently.