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 following a congressional act labeling it a foreign adversary-controlled application, finally materialized on Sunday. While President-elect Trump's swift intervention and ByteDance's rapid restoration of TikTok service grabbed headlines, the experience left a bitter taste for some.
Marvel Snap, a popular card battler, and other titles from ByteDance subsidiaries like Moonton's Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, were also briefly unavailable. ByteDance's ultimatum – accept all or none of their apps – left developers like Second Dinner scrambling. Second Dinner, seemingly uninformed about the ban, has since pledged in-game compensation for the disruption.
ByteDance's strategic move to leverage the TikTok ban, portraying Trump as a savior, undeniably garnered attention and secured TikTok's return. However, this political gamble inadvertently ensnared their gaming partners, leaving them to manage the fallout. While Second Dinner likely won't sever ties with ByteDance, the incident undoubtedly eroded trust. The incident highlights the perceived prioritization of ByteDance's social media empire over its gaming ventures.
This isn't ByteDance's first misstep in the gaming sector. In 2023, significant layoffs and project cancellations within their gaming division sent shockwaves through the industry. While Marvel Snap initially suggested a shift towards partnerships, this recent event casts doubt on that strategy. The risk of future political entanglements will undoubtedly make developers wary of collaborating with ByteDance. Disney, with the recent success of NetEase's Marvel Rivals, might also be re-evaluating their position.
The TikTok situation may just be the beginning. Other Chinese gaming companies like Tencent and NetEase could face similar scrutiny. The FTC's actions against MiHoYo over loot boxes further underscore the growing regulatory pressure. ByteDance's gamble, while successful for TikTok, created a dangerous precedent. The incident raises concerns about the vulnerability of popular games to political maneuvering and the potential impact on players and developers alike. The sudden disruption to Marvel Snap, for instance, galvanized even those previously unconcerned about TikTok. The long-term consequences of this political game remain to be seen.
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