As many of you know, Marvel Rivals and TikTok is now banned in the United States. This isn’t just about TikTok; any app linked to ByteDance is also facing restrictions or bans. This is a big deal because the U.S. is a major market for many apps. This situation can affect games like Marvel Rivals. Even though it isn’t banned yet, it is developed by NetEase, which is a Chinese company. This could lead to more bans. Let’s dive into what’s happening.
Why Was TikTok Banned?
TikTok was banned due to national security worries. The U.S. government was concerned that the Chinese government could access sensitive data from American users. They thought this could pose a security risk. In April 2024, President Joe Biden signed a law that required ByteDance to sell its stake in TikTok to a U.S. company within a year. If they didn’t, the app would be banned. Despite challenges from TikTok, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld this ban in January 2025. This led to TikTok services being suspended for 170 million users in the U.S. and the app was removed from the Apple and Google Play stores.
President-elect Donald Trump has hinted that he may address the TikTok situation. He suggests a possible extension or solution to restore TikTok once he takes office. So, the future of TikTok in the U.S. is still unclear.
Impact on Other Apps
ByteDance owns many apps besides TikTok. This includes Marvel SNAP, Mobile Legends, and others. These apps have also been affected by the ban. Recently, Second Dinner, the developer of Marvel SNAP, tweeted that their game is temporarily unavailable in U.S. app stores. They were surprised by this outage and are working to resolve it. This shows that even developers can be caught off guard by these sudden changes.
Concerns About Other Companies
Now, let’s talk about Tencent. The U.S. has labeled Tencent as a Chinese military company. Tencent is involved in many games, including Riot Games, which makes League of Legends and VALORANT. If the U.S. government targets Tencent next, it could lead to more apps being banned. This raises questions about other American companies that have Chinese investments. Will they be forced to cut ties? How will this affect the gaming market?
The Politics Behind the Ban
Donald Trump has stated that he would give ByteDance a 90-day period to reassess the laws in the U.S. This could make TikTok available again during that time. But why would he do this? Trump has a strong presence on TikTok. Bringing it back could win him favor, especially with younger voters. It’s a complex situation where politics and gaming intersect.
Is Marvel Rivals Next?
Right now, Marvel Rivals is not banned. But if TikTok doesn’t get reinstated, other Chinese companies might be targeted. The gaming industry might not be the main focus yet, but it could come under scrutiny later. The focus is currently on social media and data collection. However, the implications for gamers could be significant.
Possible Future Scenarios
Imagine a scenario where a game like Overwatch isn’t doing well. A competitor like Marvel Rivals could be seen as a threat. What if a company decided to lobby against it? They could argue that it collects user data and push for a ban. This is a worrying thought for many gamers because it opens the door for more games to be targeted.
The Role of Major Companies
Disney owns Marvel, and it’s a major U.S.-based company. If Marvel Rivals continues to do well, Disney might find a way to keep it operational in the U.S. They could negotiate or create agreements to ensure the game remains available. There are many legal avenues to explore in this situation.
Conclusion
So, will Marvel Rivals be banned? Not right now, but it could happen in the future if the situation changes. For now, the focus is on TikTok and other social media companies. The gaming industry may have to wait, but the implications could be severe. It’s a complicated issue that affects us all as gamers. The future remains uncertain, and we must stay informed about these developments.
FAQs
1. Will TikTok come back to the U.S.?
A. There is a possibility that TikTok could return if a U.S. buyer is found or if political conditions change.
2. How does the TikTok ban affect other apps?
A. Apps owned by ByteDance, like Marvel SNAP and others, are also facing restrictions or bans in the U.S. due to their association with TikTok.
3. Is Marvel Rivals banned?
A. As of now, Marvel Rivals is not banned, but it could face scrutiny if the political climate changes regarding Chinese companies.
4. What is Tencent’s role in this situation?
A. Tencent is a major Chinese company involved in many games. Its designation as a Chinese military company raises concerns about potential future bans on its games in the U.S.
5. What happens if Marvel Rivals gets banned?
A. If Marvel Rivals gets banned, players in the U.S. will lose access to the game. Other games linked to Chinese companies might also face similar bans.