TikTok's weekend ban dominated headlines, but the fallout extended beyond the social media giant. Several top-tier releases, including Marvel Snap, were also pulled, leaving developer Second Dinner scrambling. This incident highlights the risky political game ByteDance is playing.

The temporary US ban on TikTok, anticipated due to a congressional act labeling it a foreign adversary-controlled app, finally materialized on Sunday. While President-elect Trump quickly intervened, restoring TikTok's service, other ByteDance-affiliated apps faced a less triumphant return.

Marvel Snap, a popular card battler, and other titles from ByteDance subsidiaries like Moonton's Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, were also banned. ByteDance's message was clear: accept all or none. The problem? Second Dinner, Marvel Snap's developer, reportedly received no prior warning, spending the following 24 hours in damage control on Twitter, promising a swift restoration of service and offering compensation.

ByteDance's move to temporarily shut down TikTok, portraying Trump as a potential savior, was a calculated risk to generate publicity. The strategy worked, restoring TikTok's US access with dramatic flair. However, this political maneuver inadvertently ensnared other gaming releases, leaving developers like Second Dinner in a precarious position. While unlikely to sever ties with ByteDance, this incident likely eroded confidence. The message seems clear: mobile gaming is secondary to ByteDance's lucrative social media empire.

This isn't ByteDance's first misstep in the gaming sector. In 2023, massive layoffs within their gaming division resulted in numerous project cancellations. While Marvel Snap initially suggested a shift towards partnerships, this recent incident raises concerns among developers and publishers about future political entanglements. Disney, recently boosted by NetEase's Marvel Rivals, is also likely uneasy.

The ByteDance situation might only be the beginning. Tencent, NetEase, and other Chinese gaming companies could face similar scrutiny. The FTC's action against MiHoYo over loot boxes further underscores the potential for future political targeting of the gaming industry.

The Marvel Snap incident revealed a surprising outcome: many, particularly older users, initially indifferent to TikTok, reacted strongly to the game's removal. ByteDance's gamble paid off, setting a troubling precedent. The question remains: how will gamers react when their entertainment becomes subject to the whims of politicians and geopolitical conflicts? The current situation carries significant risks for all involved.