Weekly roundup: Marvel Snap, Dragon Ball DLC, PS Plus, Musk, Sony, Switch 2

Sony has cancelled two live service games, including a God of War project by Bluepoint Games
An undated image of a person playing video game.  — Canva
An undated image of a person playing video game.  — Canva 

This week's gaming round-up highlights all the latest from the gaming world: major announcements, new releases, and shifts in the industry. Marvel Snap is removed from US app stores as a result of new legislation, and Dragon Ball introduces new characters through the "Hero of Justice" DLC. 

Sony's PS Plus lineup stands out through its Extra tier, while Elon Musk's gaming claims are under scrutiny. Additionally, Sony cancels some live service projects, and Nintendo teases the highly anticipated Switch 2.

Gadinsider has got you all the details for the latest news from the gaming industry as mentioned below:

Marvel Snap removed from US App Stores alongside TikTok

Marvel Snap, a fan-favorite mobile game, has been pulled from US app stores due to new legislation. Developed by Second Dinner and published by Nuverse, a ByteDance subsidiary, the game falls under the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (H.R.7521). This law targets apps associated with companies in nations considered adversaries, including China.

TikTok, also owned by ByteDance, faced a similar ban. Despite being US-based, Second Dinner was affected due to its publisher's ties to ByteDance. Both Google and Apple have complied, removing Marvel Snap. 

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero adds new characters via Hero of Justice DLC

The highly popular Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero will release its "Hero of Justice" DLC pack on January 23, 2025, introducing 11 new characters and three custom battles. 

Featured characters include multiple iterations of Gohan and Piccolo from the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie, along with Cell Max, Gamma 1, and Gamma 2. Exclusive content, such as Piccolo's Red Ribbon Army disguise, will be available to DLC buyers.

Fans can expect future DLC expansions focused on characters from Dragon Ball: Daima, keeping the game's momentum alive in 2025.

PS Plus Extra outshines essential tier with January 2025 lineup

Sony's PS Plus Extra tier continues to offer superior game selections compared to the Essential tier, which has been underwhelming. This month’s highlight for PS Plus Extra is "God of War Ragnarok," alongside other hits like "Dying Light 2" and "Like a Dragon Gaiden."

Meanwhile, the Essential tier features remastered titles such as "Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit" and the poorly received "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League." The stark contrast suggests that Sony might eventually phase out the Essential tier, encouraging players to upgrade to Extra.

Elon Musk's gaming claims under scrutiny

Elon Musk's claim of being an avid player of Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2 has raised doubts. Both games demand significant time commitments, between 10 to 50 hours monthly, according to Circana's Player Engagement Tracker. Critics question how Musk, who manages multiple companies, finds the time for gaming.

While Musk has shared gameplay clips and character selections, scepticism remains about the authenticity of his gaming claims.

Sony cancels live service projects, including God of War title

Sony has cancelled two live service games, including a God of War project by Bluepoint Games. Despite the lineup of live service titles, challenges in maintaining player engagement led Sony to scale back its plans.

Upcoming live service projects, such as Marathon by Bungie and Fairgames by Haven Studios, are still in the pipeline.

Nintendo Switch 2 teaser highlights redesign and backward compatibility

Nintendo has officially teased the highly anticipated Switch 2, revealing a larger display, redesigned magnetic Joy-Cons, and backward compatibility for existing Switch games. The console is expected to launch later this year alongside a new Mario Kart title.

A dedicated Nintendo Direct stream is scheduled for April 2, followed by global Switch 2 Experience events beginning April 4.