Crypto enthusiasts have a new playground: Telegram. The popular messaging app known for its focus on privacy is seeing a surge in crypto-powered mini-games, sparking a “tap-to-earn” trend within the Web3 space.
Fueled by Success: This rise seems inspired by the success of Notcoin, a Telegram game that rewarded players with its own cryptocurrency (NOT) through a highly anticipated airdrop. NOT’s market capitalization reached nearly $2 billion after the airdrop, according to CoinGecko.
A New Generation of Games: Building on this momentum, new Telegram games are popping up, offering in-game currencies and the promise of future airdrops, often built on The Open Network (TON) blockchain – a blockchain initially developed by Telegram itself.
Hamster Kombat Takes the Stage: One such game gaining traction is Hamster Kombat. Here, players take on the role of a hamster CEO navigating the world of crypto exchanges. By tapping away, they earn the game’s currency, which can be used for in-game actions like launching margin trading and acquiring regulatory licenses.
Beyond Tapping: While these games often involve simple mechanics like tapping, some offer more complex features. The HERE Wallet, built on the NEAR blockchain, integrates a mini-game where users can “mine” cryptocurrency.
What’s Next for Tap-to-Earn? While the long-term viability of this trend remains to be seen, it highlights the growing accessibility of crypto and the potential of Web3 to create new gaming experiences. Whether these games offer true entertainment value or simply a gateway to earning crypto remains to be seen.
Remember: The cryptocurrency market is inherently volatile. Before diving into any tap-to-earn game, make sure to do your own research and understand the risks involved.