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The U.S. government’s decision to ban TikTok has caused ripples far beyond social media, unexpectedly impacting the gaming world. Popular titles like Marvel Snap and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) have been pulled from app stores in the United States, leaving fans scrambling for answers.
Shared Parentage Sparks Controversy
The crux of the issue lies in ByteDance Ltd., the Chinese tech giant behind TikTok and a range of subsidiaries, including Nuverse, which publishes Marvel Snap. The same legislation targeting TikTok has inadvertently swept up mobile games affiliated with ByteDance, creating unforeseen consequences for gamers and developers alike.
Confusion Among Gamers
Players were caught off guard when Marvel Snap suddenly became unavailable. Many were unaware of the game’s connection to ByteDance, prompting a spike in online searches and social media discussions.
In response, Marvel Snap developer Second Dinner took to Twitter/X to address the situation:
“Unfortunately, MARVEL SNAP is temporarily unavailable in U.S. app stores and is unavailable to play in the U.S. This outage is a surprise to us and wasn’t planned.”
The team reassured fans of their commitment to restoring the game, stating:
“MARVEL SNAP isn’t going anywhere. We’re actively working on getting the game up as soon as possible and will update you once we have more to share.”
Impact on Other ByteDance Titles
The ban didn’t stop at Marvel Snap. Nuverse’s portfolio includes Moonton, the developer of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, a popular mobile MOBA with a massive esports following in East Asia. This game, along with others like Watcher of Realms and Mobile Legends: Adventure, also faced removal from U.S. platforms.
Understanding the TikTok Ban
The U.S. imposed the TikTok ban in April 2024, citing concerns over national security and data privacy. The legislation demands that ByteDance divest TikTok’s operations to an American company, a move ByteDance has resisted, calling it unfeasible.
The ban’s far-reaching implications have sparked speculation about potential buyers for TikTok. Influential personalities like YouTuber MrBeast and Elon Musk have been linked to discussions about acquiring the platform, but no definitive action has been taken.
What’s Next for Affected Games?
For Marvel Snap and MLBB fans, the future remains uncertain. Second Dinner’s statement suggests the team is exploring options to bring Marvel Snap back to the U.S., but this will likely require either legal maneuvering or changes in ownership.
In the meantime, gamers may resort to workarounds like VPNs to access their favorite titles, though these methods come with limitations and legal risks.
A Larger Tech Dilemma
This development underscores how interconnected the tech landscape has become. The ban, primarily aimed at TikTok, has inadvertently disrupted unrelated sectors, revealing the unintended consequences of broad regulatory measures.
While the outcome for Marvel Snap, MLBB, and other ByteDance-affiliated games remains unclear, one thing is certain: the gaming community is eagerly awaiting resolution. Whether through policy shifts, new ownership, or other creative solutions, all eyes are on how this chapter of tech regulation unfolds.
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