The US TikTok ban has stirred up chaos beyond its viral dance videos. Gamers were blindsided when Marvel Snap—along with other popular mobile games—suddenly disappeared from app stores. Let’s break it all down and see why TikTok’s woes have landed Marvel Snap and other titles in hot water.
TikTok’s Ban Drags Marvel Snap into the Mix
Who’s Behind the Curtain?
The key connection here is ByteDance Ltd., the parent company of both TikTok and Marvel Snap publisher, Nuverse. Under the legislation that blocks ByteDance and its subsidiaries from operating in the U.S., Marvel Snap found itself caught in the same banhammer meant for TikTok.
Fans Left in the Dark
Players scrambled to figure out what happened, with many unaware of the link between Marvel Snap and TikTok. As confusion spread, Google searches for Marvel Snap hit record highs.
Marvel Snap’s Developers Respond
In a heartfelt statement on Twitter/X, Marvel Snap developer Second Dinner expressed their surprise at the ban:
“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.”
Despite the unexpected disruption, Second Dinner reassured fans that they are working hard to restore the game:
“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.”
Marvel Snap Wasn’t the Only Casualty
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Joins the List
It wasn’t just Marvel Snap fans left disappointed. The popular MOBA Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) was also banned, as its developer, Moonton, falls under Nuverse.
Known for having the second-largest esports scene globally, MLBB’s ban shocked U.S. fans, even if the game’s primary popularity lies in East Asia. Alongside MLBB, Moonton’s other games, such as Watcher of Realms and Mobile Legends: Adventure, also faced removal.
Wait, Why Is This Happening Again?
The TikTok ban, enacted in April 2024, restricts ByteDance and its subsidiaries from operating in the U.S. unless TikTok is sold to an American buyer. ByteDance has stood firm, claiming that such a sale is unrealistic.
Interestingly, prominent figures like YouTuber MrBeast have hinted at interest in acquiring TikTok, even teasing potential investors. Elon Musk has also been linked to the app’s acquisition as recently as last week.
What’s Next for Marvel Snap Fans?
Will the Game Return?
While the future remains uncertain, Second Dinner’s commitment to restoring Marvel Snap is promising. It may take creative legal workarounds or changes in ownership for the game to make a U.S. comeback.
In the Meantime…
For now, fans may need to explore other games or rely on VPNs (where permitted) to bypass restrictions. Stay tuned to official channels for updates on the situation.
The Bigger Picture
This whole debacle highlights just how interconnected the tech world has become. Who would’ve thought that a game about Marvel heroes and a platform for viral dances would share the same fate?
As the situation develops, one thing’s for sure—fans are eager for a resolution. Whether through policy changes, creative solutions, or surprising buyouts, everyone’s waiting to see what happens next in this unexpected saga.