Gaming caught in crossfire: TikTok ban affects Marvel Snap & Mobile Legends

(Courtesy : Marvel Snap)
The ripple effects on gaming
As of January 19, 2025, the U.S. government has enforced the TikTok ban and currently the app is not available to use. This ban has also led some unexpected consequences in the gaming sector as well.
Along with the social networking giant, other ByteDance-related programs, such as popular games like Marvel Snap and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, have become unavailable to American users.
Ripple effect of the TikTok Ban
Right from midnight, the American users were treated to a message saying, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.” However, this wasn’t limited to TikTok only, as there were some other applications as well that got in the crossfire.
However, the ban’s scope went beyond TikTok. ByteDance, the parent business, also owns a number of other items, including gaming titles that have also become embroiled in the dispute.
- Marvel Snap: This popular card game, developed by Nuverse—a ByteDance subsidiary—displayed a message to U.S. players: “A law prohibiting Marvel Snap has been enacted in the United States.” Unfortunately, this means you won’t be able to use Marvel Snap right now.” This development allegedly startled both Nuverse and the game’s developer, Second Dinner, and they are actively working on methods to restore service.
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, developed by MOONTON, suffered a similar fate, with US users unable to access the game following the restriction. MOONTON published a statement explaining the temporary suspension and advising players to export their game data, alluding to future efforts to relaunch the game in the United States market.
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Impact on players
The restriction has put US users of these games in limbo, with no access to their accounts or the opportunity to update the apps. Both games are no longer available for download from US app stores, which has caused anger, particularly among those who have made in-game purchases. The only mentioned option is to use VPNs, which is a less-than-ideal alternative for many.
If I am not wrong, it is also expected that using VPN on these apps is also not allowed. Imagine having in-game money or you had previously spent money on these games are now suddenly banned and you can’t do anything about it.
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