Divest-or-Ban Law Impacting ByteDance Apps
The recent divest-or-ban law targeting TikTok has also inadvertently affected other applications associated with ByteDance, including the popular card game Marvel Snap. Gamers were taken by surprise when access to the game was unexpectedly suspended on January 19th, 2025, with little prior notice about its affiliation with ByteDance.
Understanding the Connection
Although Marvel Snap is developed by Second Dinner, based in California, the game is published by Nuverse, a subsidiary of ByteDance. As such, it falls under the same regulatory actions leading to its abrupt removal from various digital storefronts. This development has left many players in disbelief and confusion, particularly those unaware of the game's ties to ByteDance.
Official Statement from Second Dinner
Following the shutdown, Second Dinner released a statement on social media platform X, expressing their dismay at the game's sudden unavailability. They assured fans, "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." This update was crucial for players eager to see the game's return.
What Happened on January 19th?
On the night before the law took effect, players found that Marvel Snap had vanished from app stores, including the Apple App Store for iPad and iPhone users, as well as Google Play for Android gamers. Although the game still appeared on Steam for PC players, many reported issues logging in to their accounts.
Player Notifications
Upon trying to access the game, players were met with an in-game message that stated:
- 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!
This lack of warning, particularly for players who were still purchasing in-game items, has drawn significant criticism.
Broader Implications
The impact of this law extends beyond just Marvel Snap. Several ByteDance apps, including Lemon8 and CapCut, were also quickly removed from stores. The overall impact of the law on various applications remains inconsistent; some are out of circulation, while others are still available for download. Notably, although the Lark app, known for its collaboration features, initially remained accessible, it too faced removal.
Continuing Developments
As of January 19th, reports continue to flow in regarding the status of Marvel Snap and other ByteDance applications. Players remain hopeful for a quick resolution, while the gaming community watches closely for developments from Second Dinner and any further regulatory changes.
Conclusion
The sudden action against Marvel Snap underscores the complexities involved in the relationship between gaming, digital platforms, and international law. As these events unfold, they raise questions about user rights, financial investments in digital goods, and the accountability of companies connected through corporate ownership.
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