Marvel Snap Blocked in US Over TikTok Concerns

Second Dinner, the California-based studio behind the popular game Marvel Snap, faced an unexpected challenge when ByteDance's subsidiary Nuverse, the game's publisher, was hit with a ban. This led to the sudden discontinuation of Marvel Snap on iOS and Android platforms as of January 18, 2025. This abrupt removal has left many players frustrated, especially those experiencing authorization issues. However, PC players can still access the game through Steam, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

The developers at Second Dinner expressed their shock at the incident and are actively working to restore the game's availability. In a statement from Platform X, they reassured players, stating, "Marvel Snap is here to stay. We're working hard to restore the game as quickly as possible, and we'll keep players informed of our progress." Unfortunately, the sudden nature of the ban meant that players were not given any prior warning, leading to continued in-game purchases without knowledge of the impending lockout.

The ban affected not only Marvel Snap but also other ByteDance apps, though not all were impacted. For instance, games like Ragnarok X: 3rd Anniversary and Earth: Revival - Deep Underground remain playable.

In the midst of these disruptions, Marvel Snap introduced a new card, Moonstone, to its ongoing archetype. As a 4/6 ongoing card, Moonstone can replicate the ongoing effects of your 1, 2, and 3-cost cards in her lane. Given the current abundance of low-cost Ongoing cards in the game, such as Ant-Man and U.S. Agent, which primarily boost power, Moonstone stands out. Her ability to gain these effects without additional cost can significantly amplify her impact on the game's meta.