Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) has made a swift comeback in the United States following a short 48-hour ban. The game, along with TikTok and Marvel Snap, was blocked on January 19, 2025, due to security concerns related to their parent company, ByteDance. While TikTok was reinstated after just 14 hours, MLBB fans had to wait a bit longer for confirmation. On January 21, 2025, Moonton, the game's developer, announced the game's return, much to the relief of its extensive US fanbase.
In an in-game message, Moonton informed players: "Great news! Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is officially back after a brief pause. Simply open the app as usual no additional action is needed and jump right back into the fun. Thank you for your patience and support during our brief pause." The developer also offered rewards to users affected by the pause, along with a small gift for their continued support. Moonton encouraged players to reach out to customer service for any assistance.
The rapid return of MLBB follows the US government's swift unbanning of TikTok, which sparked hopes for the game's reinstatement. The timing coincided with the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. President Trump had previously promised to bring back TikTok, and his administration's quick action paved the way for the app and MLBB's return.
The unbanning of MLBB has significant implications for the game not only in the United States but also for esports. Moonton has already planned the 2025 esports season, including the Mid Season Cup in Riyadh and the M7 World Championship in Indonesia. Restoring the game to its former status is considered essential for US-based teams.