TikTok Ban Impacts Marvel Snap: What's Next?

If there's a contender for the biggest news story of the weekend, it's undoubtedly the temporary ban of TikTok in the United States. This move, anticipated for some time due to a congressional act labeling it as a "foreign adversary controlled application," took effect on Sunday. However, as you're likely aware, President-elect Donald Trump quickly pledged to restore the service, and ByteDance swiftly brought TikTok back online. Yet, not all of ByteDance's applications have enjoyed such a swift return.

For instance, Marvel Snap, the popular comic-themed card battler, along with other releases from ByteDance subsidiaries like Moonton's Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, were also taken offline in the U.S. with a stark message indicating a ban. ByteDance's message was clear: accept all their offerings or get none at all. This sudden move left developer Second Dinner scrambling to manage the fallout on social media, promising a prompt return of Marvel Snap to service. This situation raises significant and troubling questions about the implications of such actions.

Catch!You don't need a degree in political science to recognize that ByteDance's decision to take TikTok offline and highlight Trump as its potential savior was a calculated move to stir public discourse. The strategy appears to have worked, enabling ByteDance to dramatically reinstate TikTok in the U.S. However, this political maneuver inadvertently impacted other gaming releases, leaving some developers, like Second Dinner, in a difficult position. To compensate for the downtime, Second Dinner has promised lucrative in-game rewards to players once Marvel Snap is back online. While this may not prompt Second Dinner to sever ties with ByteDance, it certainly hasn't bolstered their confidence in the partnership. It seems ByteDance prioritizes its social media endeavors over mobile gaming.

Game overThis isn't the first time ByteDance has demonstrated that gaming is secondary to its social media ventures. In 2023, the company laid off hundreds of employees in its gaming division, canceling numerous projects before their release. Since then, Marvel Snap's success suggested a shift towards partnerships rather than in-house development. However, this breach of trust could make other developers and publishers wary of aligning with ByteDance, especially amid potential future political controversies. Disney, with its recent boost from the release of NetEase's Marvel Rivals and its mobile crossover, is likely feeling the repercussions as well. ByteDance may have outmaneuvered politicians, but players, developers, and IP holders might not be as forgiving.

They think it’s all over…Rumors suggest ByteDance's situation could be just the beginning. Other Chinese gaming giants like Tencent and NetEase might be next in line for scrutiny. The FTC has already targeted MiHoYo over loot boxes, and even this high-profile incident may not deter future political interventions in the gaming industry. ByteDance's strategic move paid off, but it sets a dangerous precedent. When people's favorite games become pawns in geopolitical disputes, it raises serious concerns about the stability and future of the gaming industry. The old adage about bread and circuses could have dire consequences for all involved.