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23/05/2024Telegram ‘Mini Apps’ Skyrocket with Web3 Games Adding Millions of Users Daily
Telegram, one of the world’s most popular messaging apps with 800 million monthly users, has seen a meteoric rise in the popularity of its ‘mini apps,’ attracting millions of new users every day.
A Telegram ‘mini-app’ (TMA) is an online application built and operated directly within the messenger. These mini-apps offer a gateway to web3 technologies through the TON SDK, an open-source protocol that facilitates interaction between wallets and apps via TON Connect. They also provide various monetization options, including advertising, subscription models, in-app purchases, bot interactions, and community development opportunities for developers.
Notcoin (NOT) and Its Popularity
The recent buzz around Notcoin (NOT) highlights the growing influence of the Telegram community. This mini-app, which has been popular within the primarily Russian-speaking community for several months, was recently listed on multiple crypto exchanges and has gained international traction. Notcoin reported that approximately five million tokens were claimed within the first 36 hours of trading.
Hamster Kombat: A Rising Star
Another mini-app gaining significant attention is Hamster Kombat, especially on Telegram and TikTok. Described as a “crypto exchange CEO simulator game,” players can increase their exchange income by purchasing “upgrade cards,” completing quests, and inviting friends.
“Every hamster can experience what it’s like being a CEO ‘in real life’ instead of just giving advice to someone on X,” said a PR representative for the game.
The game simulates real-life tasks and challenges faced by CEOs, from hiring and business development to compliance and licensing. Despite its quirky name, Hamster Kombat has achieved serious engagement metrics. Launched on March 26, the mini-app now boasts 19 million daily active users and nearly 2.9 million new users joined in a single day.
Drivers of Growth
The game’s growth is attributed to its engaging plot, effective referral system, and attractive rewards. The company notes that the community is so active that they haven’t had to spend their marketing budget—users generate content and promote the game themselves.
“We recently received a photo of a QR code printed and posted on a lamppost, beneath which was the referral link of one of our players. We’ve also noticed several Telegram communities purchasing paid advertisements to promote their channels. Within the game, there’s a leaderboard showcasing the most successful players at each level. Everyone wants to claim the top spot, and perhaps that’s the secret. The spirit of competition and rivalry drives engagement and enthusiasm,” the company shares.
Influence of Other Telegram Mini Apps
Other Telegram mini apps have also contributed to the rise of Hamster Kombat, particularly Notcoin. The listing of Notcoin has shown that simple clicker games can evolve into tradable assets on crypto exchanges.
Future Developments and Web3 Integration
The developers of Hamster Kombat acknowledge that the game currently lacks web3 elements but are focused on “immersing players into this world through gameplay mechanics” and educating them “about the blockchain world through storytelling and gameplay elements.” Web3 and crypto integration are part of the project’s roadmap.
The company is negotiating with several major crypto exchanges about potentially listing the game’s coin, which users will be able to use for in-game mechanics.
Why Telegram is Popular for Web3 Games
Hamster Kombat attributes Telegram’s popularity as a platform for web3 games to its secure communication and community-building capabilities.
“Crypto projects use Telegram to communicate with users directly, make announcements, and discuss important news and updates. It is also used to host events, AMA sessions, webinars, and other activities related to the cryptocurrency industry.”
Mini apps effectively engage the crypto audience due to their access to various services like cryptocurrency wallets, crypto games, and exchanges, along with the transparency and security of user interactions and the ability to carry out direct marketing campaigns.
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