Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Returns to the US After Temporary Ban

The Ban and Its Reasons

On January 19, 2025, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), a popular mobile MOBA game developed and published by MOONTON, a subsidiary of ByteDance (the owner of TikTok), was banned in the United States. This ban was part of a broader crackdown by the U.S. government on ByteDance-owned applications due to concerns over data privacy and national security.

The U.S. government is wary that ByteDance might share user data with Chinese authorities, which led to the ban of several ByteDance-owned apps, including TikTok and MLBB. This decision was enforced under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary-Controlled Applications Act, aimed at safeguarding sensitive user data from potential foreign access.

The Impact on Players

The ban significantly affected MLBB players in the U.S. Players attempting to access the game encountered error messages indicating the game’s unavailability in their region. MOONTON termed this as a “temporary suspension” and was actively seeking solutions to restore the game.

The MLBB esports scene in the U.S. also suffered. Professional players and teams found themselves unable to participate in tournaments and events. Although the developer provided links for players to export their game data and manage their accounts, the future of the game remained uncertain during this period.

The Ban Lifted

Just two days after the ban, on January 21, 2025, MLBB made a comeback to the United States. Players can now re-download and enjoy the game without any additional actions. MOONTON confirmed the game’s return with a statement, expressing gratitude for the players’ patience and support during the brief pause.

To compensate for the downtime, MOONTON is offering returning players a small gift and in-game rewards that were unavailable during the ban. This move aims to rejuvenate the player base and ensure a smooth transition back to normal gameplay.

Impact on the US Esports Scene

The return of MLBB is timely, especially with the 2025 MPL (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League) season set to begin in February. Although MLBB has a smaller player base in the U.S. compared to its primary market in Southeast Asia, the region hosts tournaments that offer qualification for major international events.

The temporary ban highlighted the fragility of the esports ecosystem when government regulations come into play. Professional teams and players had to navigate this uncertainty, but the swift resolution has alleviated some of the pressure.

Future Concerns

The Executive Order that lifted the ban on TikTok and other ByteDance apps only suspends enforcement for 75 days. This means that MLBB and other related games could face another shutdown if the situation escalates. This ongoing uncertainty keeps the gaming community on edge, as any future bans could have significant implications for players, teams, and the broader esports landscape.

Historical Context and Global Presence

MLBB, launched in 2016, has become a global phenomenon, especially in Southeast Asia. The game features traditional MOBA gameplay where two teams of five players compete in real-time matches, aiming to destroy the enemy’s tower while defending their own. Despite its success, MLBB has faced several controversies, including allegations of plagiarism from Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, and a ban in India in 2020 due to security concerns.

Player Accounts and Progress

During the ban, players’ progress was saved in MOONTON’s database and remained accessible once the restriction was lifted. This ensured that players did not lose their in-game achievements and could resume where they left off. However, the situation could change if the developers decide to remove the saved data in the future.

Community Response

The temporary ban sparked a mix of frustration and relief among the MLBB community. Players expressed their concerns on social media, highlighting the impact on their gaming experience and the esports scene. The swift resolution and the return of the game have been met with positive feedback, as players are eager to get back to their favorite game.

In conclusion, the ban and subsequent return of MLBB in the U.S. underscore the complex interplay between technology, governance, and user data. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for developers, governments, and players to navigate these challenges to ensure a stable and enjoyable gaming environment.