In a shocking turn of events, the U.S. has banned Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), Marvel Snap, and a slew of other games from MOONTON Games and Nuverse, leaving millions of gamers in the lurch. With over 1 billion downloads combined, these games have been staples in mobile gaming. As of January 19, 2025, they are no longer available on Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store. What led to this sudden move? Let’s dive in.
Why Were These Games Banned?
Connection to ByteDance
MOONTON Games and Nuverse are subsidiaries of ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant behind TikTok. Amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China over data security concerns, ByteDance has faced increasing scrutiny. The ban follows a similar fate as TikTok, which was also forced off U.S. platforms unless ByteDance divests from the app.
Official Statement from ByteDance
In a public announcement, ByteDance stated: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, access to Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in the U.S. will unfortunately be temporarily suspended starting January 19, 2025.” Similar statements were issued for other affected games.
Which Games Are Impacted?
The following popular titles from MOONTON and Nuverse are now unavailable in the U.S.:
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MOONTON Games)
- Mobile Legends: Adventure (MOONTON Games)
- Watcher of Realms (MOONTON Games)
- One Punch Man: The Strongest (MOONTON Games)
- Marvel Snap (Nuverse)
- Land of Empires: Immortal (Nuverse)
- Land of Empires: Dice Hero (Nuverse)
- Mission EVO (Nuverse)
What This Means for Players
Immediate Impact
For players in the U.S., this means no new downloads or updates for these games. Online services and in-game purchases are also suspended. Gamers with active accounts are left wondering if their progress, achievements, and purchases will carry over if services resume.
Potential Alternatives
Many players are turning to VPNs to access these games, but this comes with its own risks, including potential account bans. Another option is to look for localized versions, as seen when MLBB was reintroduced to India as Moba Legends: 5v5.
Broader Implications
Data Security Concerns
The U.S. government’s decision underscores growing concerns over how Chinese companies handle user data. With MOONTON and Nuverse under ByteDance’s umbrella, fears of data misuse have fueled these bans.
Industry Fallout
This development has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry. MOONTON and Nuverse were key players in the mobile gaming market, with their titles regularly topping charts. The ban could open opportunities for other companies to fill the void, but it also raises questions about the future of international gaming relations.
While the U.S. government’s stance on data security is clear, the loss of beloved games like Mobile Legends and Marvel Snap leaves a significant gap in the mobile gaming ecosystem. Players and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see if ByteDance finds a way to navigate these challenges and bring their games back to the U.S.
