And just like that, the popular digital card game Marvel Snap has been suddenly pulled from app stores throughout — at least — the United States.
Mobile users and PC players could no longer download or play the game, and fans of the game were blindsided. Despite Marvel Snap being a widely-recognized game and boasting a large and vibrant player base, the cause for the abrupt delisting has an unlikely source related to a national scandal.
What Is Marvel Snap?
Marvel Snap puts players in the role of superpowered card players, battling their friends — and each other — in a fast-paced digital card arena. Its matches are fast and all action, making it one of the most addictive mobile games out there. Earning its status, Marvel Snap has made itself welcome on Steam, where PC players had been able to get in on the action.
But now, Marvel Snap is unplayable for U.S. users as of January 18th. Upon trying to open the game, players receive the following message:
‘A U.S. law prohibiting Marvel Snap was passed. Unfortunately for you that means no Marvel Snap for now. Rest assured we’re working on getting our service back up and running in the U.S. Please stay tuned!”
Why Was Marvel Snap Banned?
The Marvel Snap ban is related to its developer, Nuverse, which is a subsidiary of ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. The U.S. government has recently banned TikTok and other apps owned by ByteDance on national security grounds. Officials have long expressed concerns about how ByteDance handles user data and near ties to the Chinese government.
ByteDance was issued an ultimatum: sell its U.S. operations to an American company or be banned. ByteDance has not met those demands and TikTok and other apps, like Marvel Snap, have since been removed from U.S. app stores.
What’s Next for Fans of Marvel Snap?
The game is technically still on Steam but is unplayable thanks to the ban. But there is hope for the Marvel Snap fans out there. According to reports from ByteDance, they are collaborating with U.S. officials to resolve this matter and hopefully return their apps to being available.
As the new U.S. administration takes office, discussion will likely continue, and an extension or new agreement could lift the ban. Gamers are advised to keep an eye out for news from the game’s developers.
For now, fans of Marvel Snap can only bide their time and hope for a resolution that lets them return to their favorite digital arenas.
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