On January 18, 2025, the United States government banned the popular mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). This action is part of a broader move against applications owned by ByteDance, the Chinese company that also owns TikTok.
Moonton, the developer of MLBB, released an official statement regarding the ban. They informed players in the U.S. that the game is currently unavailable due to circumstances beyond their control. Moonton expressed deep appreciation for the vibrant player community and mentioned they are actively exploring possibilities to bring the game back in the future. In the meantime, U.S. players can manage their accounts and download game data through the official MLBB website.
The ban on MLBB is linked to the U.S. government’s concerns over national security. ByteDance, the parent company of Moonton, has faced scrutiny due to its ownership of TikTok. The U.S. government has officially banned TikTok in the country, leading to its removal from app stores on January 19, 2025. As a result, other ByteDance-related applications, including MLBB, have also been removed from U.S. app stores.
This situation has affected other games under the ByteDance umbrella as well. For instance, Marvel Snap, developed by Nuverse—a subsidiary of ByteDance—has also become unavailable to American users. Players attempting to access these games are met with messages indicating their unavailability in the U.S.
The ban has significant implications for the gaming community and the esports industry. MLBB has a substantial user base, especially in Southeast Asia, and has been a key driver in the mobile competitive gaming market. According to Esports Charts, MLBB was one of the most-viewed esports games in 2024, with a peak concurrent viewer count of over five million during the M5 World Championship in 2023.
While North America is not the most populous region for MLBB players, the ban still impacts a significant number of users. Players who have invested time and money into the game now find themselves unable to access their accounts or continue playing. This sudden unavailability has led to frustration among the gaming community, particularly among those who have made in-game purchases. Some users have considered using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass the restrictions, but this is not an ideal solution for many.
This is not the first time MLBB has faced a ban in a major market. In June 2020, the game was banned in India along with 58 other Chinese apps due to security concerns raised by the Indian government. Such actions highlight the geopolitical challenges that can affect the availability of digital applications across different regions.
In response to the ban, Moonton has assured players that they are exploring possibilities to bring MLBB back to the U.S. market. They have encouraged players to stay connected through their official website for updates and to manage their accounts during this period. The company has a history of engaging with its community and organizing major esports tournaments, and they aim to continue these efforts once the situation is resolved.
The broader implications of this ban extend to other ByteDance-owned applications and services. The U.S. government’s actions reflect ongoing concerns about data security and the influence of foreign-owned applications within the country. As the situation develops, users of other ByteDance-related apps may also face restrictions, leading to a reevaluation of the digital landscape for many consumers.
The ban on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in the United States marks a significant moment for the gaming community and highlights the intersection of technology, entertainment, and international relations. Players and developers alike will be closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a resolution that allows for the return of their beloved games while addressing the concerns raised by governing authorities.
