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Marvel Snap Fans Shocked by U.S. Ban Following TikTok Shutdown
January 19, 2025In an unexpected twist, Marvel Snap, the wildly popular Marvel-themed card game, has been banned in the United States, catching fans and developers alike off guard. The ban comes in the wake of TikTok’s shutdown within U.S. borders due to its ownership by ByteDance. As it turns out, Marvel Snap’s publisher, Nuverse, is also owned by the Chinese tech giant, making it another casualty of the U.S.’s divest-or-ban law.
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The Ban and Its Immediate Impact
On January 18, TikTok officially went offline for U.S. users after failing to comply with the divestment mandate. Just hours later, Marvel Snap players were greeted with a similar message upon opening the app:
“Sorry, Marvel Snap isn’t available right now. A law banning Marvel Snap has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use Marvel Snap for now. Rest assured, we’re working to restore our service in the U.S. Please stay tuned!”
The sudden restriction has left fans scrambling for solutions, while Second Dinner, the game’s developer, appears to have been blindsided by the decision.
Why Was Marvel Snap Banned?
The ban stems from the same concerns that led to TikTok’s shutdown. Nuverse, the publisher of Marvel Snap, is owned by ByteDance, the Chinese company under scrutiny for its data practices and ties to the Chinese government. The U.S. government’s stance is clear: any app owned by ByteDance that fails to transfer ownership to a Western entity will face a ban.
While TikTok was the primary focus of this mandate, Marvel Snap’s connection to ByteDance pulled it into the crosshairs. The game’s popularity and association with Marvel made its ban an unexpected development for both players and industry insiders.
Ben Brode, Chief Development Officer and Co-Founder of Second Dinner expressed his shock on BlueSky, stating that the ban was unforeseen:
“Unfortunately, Marvel Snap is temporarily unavailable in U.S. app stores and is unavailable to play in the U.S. This was a surprise to Second Dinner and our publisher Nuverse.”
Brode assured fans that efforts are underway to restore the game in the U.S., though the path forward remains unclear. He also jokingly suggested that VPN software might offer a temporary workaround, allowing players to access the game by “pretending you’re from Canada or something.”
For Marvel Snap fans, the ban has created a frustrating void. The game, which gained acclaim for its fast-paced mechanics, strategic depth, and Marvel branding, has built a loyal fanbase. With U.S. players unable to access the app, many are turning to online forums and social media to voice their disappointment and explore alternatives.
Workarounds for the Determined
While waiting for official updates, some players are resorting to VPN services to bypass the ban. By masking their IP addresses and selecting locations outside the U.S., fans can continue enjoying the game as if they were in Canada or other unaffected regions. However, VPNs come with their own risks and challenges, including potential latency issues and the need for paid subscriptions.
The U.S. ban on Marvel Snap raises broader questions about the intersection of politics and gaming. With mobile games increasingly tied to global companies, regulatory scrutiny could have far-reaching implications for developers and publishers.
For ByteDance, the ban underscores the risks of maintaining global gaming operations in a politically charged environment. For Second Dinner, it highlights the challenges of relying on publishers with ties to controversial entities.
While games are fun, it’s highly important to note that there’s more to life than sitting countless hours playing video games – there’s a purpose and more to life; seek out that purpose more often!
