Telegram, one of the world's most popular messaging apps with 800 million monthly users, has seen a meteoric rise among its 'mini-apps', with millions of users joining it daily.
Telegram Mini App (TMA) is an online application built and run directly on the messenger. Depending on the platform, it is Offers web3 haven with TON SDK, an open source protocol between TON Connect wallets and apps, “tokens,” and various monetization options such as ads, subscription models, in-app purchases, bot interaction, and community development for developers.
Last week's buzz – Notcoin (NOT) – may serve as an example of the popularity and strength of the Telegram community. The project, or rather the mini-application, which has been the “talk of the block” in the primarily Russian-speaking community for several months, was listed on several cryptocurrency exchanges last week and gained international popularity. Notcoin revealed that around five million tokens were claimed in the first 36 hours of trading.
One mini app that has been gaining attention recently, mostly on Telegram itself and TikTok, is Hamster Kombat.
Hamster Kombat describes itself as a “crypto exchange CEO simulation game,” where players can increase their exchange income by purchasing “upgrade cards,” completing quests, and inviting friends.
“Each hamster can experience what it's like to be a CEO 'in real life' instead of just giving advice to someone on X,” the game's PR official said.
The cards clearly represent real-life tasks and challenges that CEOs face on a daily basis – from recruiting and business development to compliance and licensing.
The game with the funny name has seen some serious numbers.
According to the company's PR director, which launched on March 26, the mini app already has 19 million daily active users and welcomed nearly 2.9 million new users yesterday alone.
But what is actually driving this growth? The company believes that the plot of the game and the referral and rewards system. They notice that the community is so active, they don't even have to spend a marketing budget at this point – users create the content and campaigns themselves.
“We recently received an image of a QR code printed and hung on a lamppost, under which is the referral link of one of our players. We have also noticed that many Telegram communities purchase paid ads to promote their channels. In-game there is a leaderboard displaying the most successful players in each level. Everyone wants to take first place, and perhaps this is the secret. The spirit of competition and competition drives participation and enthusiasm.
Other Telegram mini apps have helped increase the game's popularity as well. In particular, Notcoin.
“It is worth noting that the listing of Notcoin played its role. The market and individuals saw that a simple tap game could be turned into something actually tradable on the exchange.
The game's developers are aware that it does not contain any web3 elements at this time; They are currently focusing on “immersing players in this world through gameplay mechanics” and educating them “about the world of blockchain through storytelling and gameplay elements.” But web3/crypto integration is part of the project roadmap.
The company says it is currently in “negotiations” with a number of major cryptocurrency exchanges about a potential listing for the game's currency (the ticker has not yet been announced), which users will also be able to use for game mechanics (also, exactly how has not yet been revealed).
As for why Telegram is so popular as a platform for web3 gaming and the cryptocurrency community in general, Hamster Kombat believes it is due to its secure communication and community building capabilities.
“Cryptocurrency 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.
The company believes that widgets are an effective tool for engaging the cryptocurrency audience, largely due to “access to various services such as cryptocurrency wallets, cryptocurrency games, cryptocurrency exchanges and other convenient tools” and “transparency and security of users.” Interaction” and the ability to implement various marketing campaigns directly to users.
Disclosure: This article does not constitute investment advice. The content and materials contained on this page are for educational purposes only.