Marvel Snap Banned in the U.S. Amid TikTok Crackdown
Don’t blame Thanos: Marvel Snap, the popular digital collectible card game, has become an unexpected casualty of the U.S. government’s move to ban TikTok over concerns about its parent company’s Chinese ties. The game, which features characters from the Disney-owned Marvel universe, was abruptly pulled from U.S. app stores on Saturday, January 18, just hours before the January 19 deadline set by the U.S. divest-or-ban law targeting TikTok.
developed by Second Dinner and published by ByteDance’s Nuverse games division,Marvel Snap was among at least 10 ByteDance-owned apps disabled and removed from app stores. The U.S. law prohibits these apps from being distributed in the country unless the Beijing-based company sells them.
On Saturday night, Marvel Snap was pulled from both Apple and Google app stores. Players attempting to access the game were met with a message stating it was temporarily unavailable.In a statement posted on X, Second Dinner explained, “Unluckily, MARVEL SNAP is temporarily unavailable in U.S. app stores and is unavailable to play in the U.S. In a surprise to Second Dinner and our publisher Nuverse, MARVEL SNAP was affected by the takedown of TikTok late on Saturday, january 18th. 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.”
Released in October 2022, Marvel Snap quickly gained a dedicated fanbase. Marvel describes the game as “the fastest card battler in the Multiverse,” where players assemble their dream team of heroes and villains for fast-paced, strategic battles.The sudden ban has left fans and developers alike scrambling for answers. While the game’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, Second Dinner has assured players they are working diligently to resolve the issue.
Key Points at a Glance
Table of Contents
| detail | Data |
|————————–|———————————————————————————|
| Game | Marvel Snap |
| Developer | Second Dinner |
| Publisher | bytedance’s Nuverse |
| Ban Date | January 18, 2025 |
| Reason for Ban | U.S. divest-or-ban law targeting ByteDance-owned apps |
| Current Status | Temporarily unavailable in U.S. app stores and unplayable in the U.S. |
| Developer Statement | “We’re actively working on getting the game up as soon as possible.” |
The ban on marvel Snap highlights the far-reaching implications of the U.S. government’s crackdown on ByteDance-owned apps. As fans await updates, the gaming community is left to wonder how this decision will shape the future of digital entertainment in the U.S.n# TikTok Shuts Down in the U.S.: What Happens Next?
In a important development, TikTok and other apps developed by ByteDance will no longer be available for download or updates in the United States starting January 19, 2025.This decision follows the enforcement of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which was upheld by a unanimous Supreme Court ruling on Friday.
Apple’s Declaration
Apple posted a message on Saturday regarding the “availability of tiktok and ByteDance Ltd. apps in the United States.” The company stated,“Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates.Pursuant to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, apps developed by ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries — including TikTok, capcut, Lemon8, and others — will no longer be available for download or updates on the App Store for users in the United States starting January 19, 2025.”
Affected Apps
The following apps developed by ByteDance and its subsidiaries are affected:
- TikTok
- TikTok Studio
- TikTok Shop seller Center
- CapCut
- Lemon8
- Hypic
- lark – Team Collaboration
- Lark – rooms Display
- Lark Rooms Controller
- Gauth: AI Study companion
- Marvel Snap
Implications for Users
According to Apple’s notice,the apps will remain on users’ devices if they have already been installed. However, “they can’t be redownloaded if deleted or restored if you move to a new device. In-app purchases and new subscriptions are no longer possible.” Additionally, “Users in the United States won’t receive updates for these apps, which could perhaps impact performance, security and compatibility with future versions of iOS and iPadOS, and some app functions might become limited or stop working since the app can’t receive updates.”
Legal and Political Context
The U.S.divest-or-ban law imposes fines of $5,000 per user (per app) on companies that host or distribute ByteDance-controlled apps. The Biden administration had indicated it would not enforce the ban, leaving it to President-elect Donald Trump, set to be sworn in on January 20, to determine how to proceed. Though, tiktok stated it was “forced” to shut down without a guarantee that partners like Apple and Google would not be subject to the heavy fines.
Potential Extension
In an interview with NBC News on Saturday,Trump mentioned that he would “most likely” order a 90-day extension beyond the January 19 date requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok and other apps,as his administration tries to reach a viable solution. However, under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, the U.S. president must certify to Congress that there are “relevant binding legal agreements” for the ByteDance divestitures in order for an extension to be granted — and there are no known such agreements in place.
Summary Table
| Key Information | Details |
|———————-|————-|
| Effective Date | january 19, 2025 |
| Affected Apps | TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and others |
| Implications | No downloads, updates, or in-app purchases |
| Legal Fines | $5,000 per user (per app) |
| Potential Extension | 90-day extension under Trump administration |
what’s Next?
As the deadline approaches, the future of TikTok and other ByteDance apps in the U.S. remains uncertain. Users are advised to stay informed about any developments and consider alternative platforms if necessary. For more updates, follow our coverage on this evolving story.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Lemon8
Implications for Users and Developers
The ban on TikTok and other ByteDance-owned apps, including *Marvel Snap*, has significant implications for both users and developers. For users, this means losing access to popular platforms and services they rely on for entertainment, social interaction, and business. For developers like Second Dinner, the ban disrupts their ability to reach their audience and generate revenue.
Second Dinner, the developer of *Marvel Snap*, has emphasized its commitment to resolving the issue and bringing the game back to U.S. app stores. Though, the process of complying with the divest-or-ban law or finding alternative solutions could take time, leaving players in limbo.
Broader Context
This advancement is part of a broader U.S.government effort to address national security concerns related to apps owned by foreign adversaries, particularly china. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act aims to mitigate risks associated with data privacy and potential foreign influence.
While the ban targets ByteDance-owned apps, it also raises questions about the future of international tech partnerships and the impact on the digital economy. The gaming and tech industries are closely watching how this situation unfolds, as it could set a precedent for similar actions against other foreign-owned platforms.
Conclusion
The sudden removal of *Marvel Snap* and other ByteDance-owned apps from U.S. app stores has left users and developers scrambling for answers. As second Dinner works to restore access to *Marvel snap*, the broader implications of this ban remain uncertain. The gaming community and tech industry at large will continue to monitor developments, hoping for a resolution that balances national security concerns with the needs of businesses and consumers.
For now, fans of *Marvel Snap* and other affected apps must wait for updates while the legal and operational challenges are addressed.
