Marvel Snap got caught up in the TikTok ban; so what does this mean for us?

TikTok's weekend ban dominated headlines, but the fallout extended beyond the social media giant. High-profile games like Marvel Snap were also caught in the crossfire, raising serious concerns for developers.

The temporary US ban on TikTok, anticipated due to a congressional act labeling it a foreign adversary-controlled application, went into effect Sunday. While President-elect Trump's swift intervention and ByteDance's quick action restored TikTok's service, other ByteDance-affiliated apps faced a less triumphant return.

Marvel Snap, a popular card battler, and other titles from ByteDance subsidiaries, like Moonton's Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, were also banned. ByteDance's message was clear: all or nothing.

The situation left developer Second Dinner scrambling. Apparently uninformed about the ban, they've been working to restore Marvel Snap and have promised compensation for lost playtime. This incident highlights a concerning power dynamic.

ByteDance's calculated move using TikTok's ban to garner attention and secure its return to the US market appears successful. However, this political maneuvering inadvertently ensnared other gaming titles, leaving developers like Second Dinner in a precarious position. While Second Dinner likely won't sever ties with ByteDance, their trust has undoubtedly been shaken. The incident suggests that social media platforms hold greater priority for ByteDance than its gaming ventures.

This isn't ByteDance's first misstep in the gaming sector. In 2023, significant layoffs within their gaming division resulted in the cancellation of numerous projects. While Marvel Snap initially suggested a shift towards partnerships, this recent incident demonstrates a potential risk for future collaborators. The lack of warning undermines confidence and could deter other developers and publishers. Disney, particularly, might be concerned given the recent success of NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

The TikTok situation may only be the beginning. Tencent, NetEase, and other Chinese gaming companies could face similar scrutiny. The FTC's actions against MiHoYo regarding loot boxes further underscore the potential for future political targeting.

The Marvel Snap incident revealed a surprising level of concern among gamers, many of whom were initially indifferent to TikTok's fate. ByteDance's gamble paid off, but it sets a worrying precedent. The vulnerability of gaming to political whims and international conflicts is a significant cause for concern. The potential for widespread backlash is substantial.