Second Dinner, the California-based studio behind the popular game Marvel Snap, faced an unexpected setback when ByteDance's subsidiary, Nuverse, which publishes the game, was affected by a widespread ban. This ban, which also impacted other apps such as CapCut and Lemon8, led to the discontinuation of Marvel Snap on iOS and Android platforms on January 18, 2025. This sudden move left many players struggling with authorization issues, although the game remains accessible on Steam for PC users.
The developers at Second Dinner expressed their surprise and disappointment over the incident. In a statement, they reassured fans by saying, "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." One of the most frustrating aspects for the community was the lack of prior warning, which resulted in players continuing to make in-game purchases unaware of the impending lockout.
While Marvel Snap was affected, not all ByteDance apps faced the same fate. Games like Ragnarok X: 3rd Anniversary and Earth: Revival - Deep Underground continue to be playable. Amid these disruptions, the Marvel Snap community has been buzzing about the recent addition of the card Moonstone. As part of the game's Ongoing archetype, Moonstone (4/6) brings much-needed variety to the meta. This ongoing card can replicate the ongoing effects of your 1, 2, and 3-cost cards at her lane, making her a powerful asset given the abundance of low-cost Ongoing cards like Ant-Man and U.S. Agent, which typically only boost power. Moonstone's ability to gain these effects for free can significantly enhance her impact on the game.