TON Blockchain Powers Web3 Gaming Growth on Telegram
TON Blockchain– The web3 gaming industry has faced significant challenges in user acquisition, but the introduction of mini-games on Telegram in 2024 marks a turning point. With Telegram boasting over 950 million users globally, the platform’s move into gaming has opened new possibilities for blockchain-based games.
Telegram’s Surge in Gaming Engagement
In the past year, Telegram has seen a remarkable increase in gaming activity. The launch of clicker games offering token rewards prompted a surge in player engagement. According to Inal Kardan, the blockchain gaming lead for TON (The Open Network), about 20% of Telegram users were actively playing games in August. TON serves as the blockchain for these games within Telegram.
The success of mini-game “Notcoin” is widely regarded as the catalyst for this shift. “Notcoin” launched in January and gained massive traction after its $1 billion token airdrop in May, distributing 80 billion NOT tokens. Martin Masser, Chief Business Development Officer at Ston.Fi, explained that “Notcoin” showed the world how easy it was to launch blockchain games, paving the way for others. Since then, titles like “Hamster Kombat,” “Yescoin,” and “Catizen” have followed suit, though none have reached the market cap of “Notcoin,” which was valued at approximately $700 million by December 18.
TON Blockchain’s Explosive Growth
The popularity of gaming on Telegram has had a profound impact on the TON blockchain. Within a year, the number of TON accounts skyrocketed from around 4 million to 128 million, according to TonStat data. TON’s native token, toncoin, also saw significant gains, with its price increasing over 100% and its market capitalization reaching $14 billion by December 18.
Tobias Lewis, Business Development Manager at The Open Platform, highlighted that many new users created wallets to participate in airdrops, making their first Web3 experience “intuitive, accessible, and easy”—a far cry from the intimidating user interfaces of many other blockchain ecosystems.
The Future: Sustainability and Mid-Core Games
While the rise of Telegram gaming has been undeniable, experts believe the next challenge is maintaining user engagement. As Sasha Plotinov, the creator of “Notcoin,” pointed out, only games with sustainable models will thrive in the long run. Moving forward, Kardan expects the next wave of successful Telegram games to be “mid-core” titles—games that are more complex and strategy-driven than casual games like “Notcoin.”
Telegram as a Game Distribution Hub
The success of Telegram gaming has also opened up new avenues for game distribution. Animoca Brands CEO Robby Yung emphasized that platforms like Apple, Google, and Steam often pose barriers for crypto games, making Telegram’s relatively open ecosystem an attractive alternative for developers. Yung believes that Telegram’s unfettered distribution channels could play a significant role in the future of crypto gaming.
In conclusion, the gaming boom on Telegram is reshaping the web3 gaming landscape. With established companies like Animoca Brands taking notice, the stage is set for more sophisticated, sustainable blockchain games to emerge, further cementing Telegram’s place as a major player in the space.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies and stocks, particularly in micro-cap companies, are subject to significant volatility and risk. Please conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.
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