The popular mobile game Marvel Snap was abruptly removed from the US App Store and Google Play Store this weekend, leaving players confused and frustrated. The unexpected removal stems from ongoing issues surrounding ByteDance, the owner of TikTok and publisher Nuverse, which publishes Marvel Snap. While a potential TikTok ban has been discussed, the impact on Marvel Snap came as a surprise to players, Nuverse, and even the developers at Second Dinner.
Second Dinner’s chief development officer and co-founder, Ben Brode, addressed the situation on Bluesky, assuring fans that the team is working to resolve the issue. A temporary workaround involving a VPN set to Canada has been suggested. While some players expressed disbelief at the lack of advance notice, Brode countered, stating that preemptively taking the game down wouldn’t have provided any financial benefit.
altMarvel Snap card designs featuring Thor, Odin, and Surtur.
The sudden removal contradicts Marvel Snap‘s recent activity, including a new season launch featuring the Dark Avengers and content based on Marvel Rivals. This suggests that the developers were also caught off guard and would have likely informed players beforehand if they had known. Unfortunately, this offers little solace to players who recently made in-game purchases.
The timing of the ban is particularly puzzling, given the Biden administration’s prior statement that enforcement would be deferred to the incoming Trump administration. The bipartisan ban on ByteDance-owned media had been passed, but its premature implementation raises questions. Ironically, former President Trump initially discussed banning TikTok during his first term. Now, ByteDance appears to be hoping the incoming president will choose not to enforce the ban, despite its affirmation by the Supreme Court.
The future of Marvel Snap in the US remains uncertain. It’s possible the ban could be reversed independently of any decisions regarding TikTok, or players may have to wait for an official announcement after President Trump’s inauguration. In the meantime, using a VPN remains the only option for US players.
While the situation unfolds, players are left to hope for a swift resolution. The unexpected removal highlights the complex relationship between international politics and the gaming industry, leaving Marvel Snap players in a frustrating limbo.
Are you affected by the Marvel Snap ban? Let us know your thoughts. Share your experiences on social media platforms like Twitter, Bluesky, or Instagram.
