The temporary shutdown of TikTok in the US on January 19th unexpectedly impacted Marvel Snap, the popular card game published by Nuverse (a ByteDance subsidiary). This disruption, lasting approximately 24 hours, highlighted the game's vulnerability to political risks surrounding TikTok's ongoing negotiations to sell a 50% stake in its US operations.

While Marvel Snap is now back online, full functionality remains incomplete, with in-app purchases currently unavailable. In response to this incident, developers are exploring a publisher change and transitioning some services in-house, as announced via a Platform X statement. This proactive measure aims to mitigate future disruptions stemming from the precarious political landscape.

The 90-day extension granted to TikTok for the sale agreement creates uncertainty; failure to finalize the deal could lead to further blockages for TikTok and its associated projects, including Marvel Snap.

Second Dinner Studios, the game's developer, has acknowledged the situation, expressing surprise and assuring players of their commitment to restoring full service. They've promised further updates. While many players experienced authorization problems, Steam users retained access. The lack of prior warning, particularly concerning the impact on players who made recent in-game purchases, has generated significant frustration. An official Platform X statement reassured players: “Marvel Snap is here to stay. We're working hard to restore the game as quickly as possible, and we'll keep players informed of our progress.”