Marvel Snap Goes Dark Amid US Ban on ByteDance Apps

Marvel Snap Goes Dark Amid US Ban on ByteDance Apps

Marvel Snap Goes Dark Amid US Ban on ByteDance Apps

The U.S. ban on ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok, has taken an unexpected turn, affecting not just the social media giant but also a variety of other apps, including the popular digital card game, Marvel Snap . This surprise development comes as ByteDance continues to face scrutiny over national security concerns linked to its data-sharing policies with the Chinese government.

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Marvel Snap, developed by Second Dinner and published by ByteDance’s Nuverse division, has been a fan favorite since its release in October 2022. Known for its fast-paced gameplay and extensive roster of Marvel heroes and villains, the game has built a dedicated player base. However, as of January 19, 2025, U.S. players logging into Marvel Snap are greeted with a message stating, “Sorry, MARVEL SNAP isn’t available right now. A law banning MARVEL SNAP has been enacted in the US.” This mirrors the block notifications seen by TikTok users.

The core issue stems from the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA) , which prohibits ByteDance from operating its apps in the U.S. without selling them to a non-China-based entity. ByteDance’s failure to meet the mandated deadline for divestiture has resulted in the forced shutdown of its apps, including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and unexpectedly, Marvel Snap. While ByteDance had previously announced its exit from the gaming sector in 2023, its ongoing ties to Nuverse appear to have left Marvel Snap caught in the crossfire.

This situation raises concerns for gamers who have invested both time and money in Marvel Snap, as all progress and purchases are now inaccessible. Although ByteDance has indicated that it is working on a resolution, the uncertainty leaves fans in limbo. There is some hope, however: incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested he might extend the deadline for ByteDance to divest its apps, potentially giving Marvel Snap a chance to return to U.S. players.

For now, the gaming world watches as Marvel Snap becomes another unexpected casualty of the ByteDance saga, underscoring the broader implications of international tech disputes on consumers.

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