Tap-to-earn games: Telegram’s crypto craze
Echoing the success of play-to-earn (P2E) hits, tap-to-earn (T2E) games are all the rage on Telegram. Despite relative simplicity, they have garnered a massive following. This guide explores the workings of this crypto phenomenon and its potential in the world of blockchain-powered fun.
What are tap-to-earn (T2E) games?
The concept is straightforward: players tap an icon to accumulate points or in-game currency. While themes and visuals vary, this basic model is a constant across all games.
Tap-to-earn games are played within the Telegram messenger app, which boasts over 900 million users. Players interact with a dedicated bot to start the game.
The main appeal is the anticipation of a crypto airdrop. For instance, Notcoin, a pioneering T2E game, attracted about 35 million users before its NOT token launched on TON (The Open Network) with its first airdrop in May 2024.
Tap-to-earn gaming craze
Notcoin has seen a meteoric rise, orchestrating the largest gaming airdrop of the year so far. Just a month later, in June 2024, Hamster Kombat amassed over 200 million users. Its popularity in Iran led to accusations from state officials of aiding the West’s “soft war” against the Islamic Republic.
Elements of tap-to-earn gameplay
The core of these games is a tappable icon supplemented by boosters, tasks, and upgrades. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
- Icon (coin or character): Players tap the central image to earn rewards, limited by an energy bar that refills over time.
- Tasks: Games often include in-game tasks and third-party offers, like joining Telegram channels or following the game on Twitter for lump-sum rewards.
- Referral schemes: Players earn a share of the points from users they invite and receive bonuses for milestones, such as inviting 100 friends.
- Boosters: Available up to three times a day, these either refill the energy bar or multiply points garnered over a specific period.
- Upgrades: These enhancements concern various aspects of the game, such as points per tap and the energy bar replenishment rate.
- Tap bot: This feature with multiple names auto-taps when the app is closed; users can purchase it with in-game points or coins, unlocking passive rewards.
TON (The Open Network) as preferred blockchain
Tap-to-earn developers favor The Open Network (previously Telegram Open Network) for its high-speed, sustainable, and efficient blockchain integrated with Telegram. A proof-of-stake consensus mechanism ensures high transaction throughput with a minimal carbon footprint.
T2E games do not require special player skills, as they feature a simple and intuitive user experience. Gamers do not usually need a wallet from the get-go, as crypto airdrops are planned for later stages.
Top tap-to-earn games in 2024
Notcoin
Launched in early 2024, Notcoin sparked the entire tap-to-earn trend on Telegram. This viral Web3 clicker amassed 35 million players, leading to the launch of its token, NOT, which has become the year’s most significant gaming token.
Players earn NOT by engaging with third-party content, providing partners with a unique advertising opportunity. The creators aim to transform Notcoin into the “Netflix of social, viral games.” The first airdrop in May released over 80 billion NOT, valued at roughly $1 billion.
Hamster Kombat
Hamster Kombat takes the basics of Notcoin and adds a twist by simulating a crypto exchange run by hamster CEOs. Players tap the hamster image to collect tokens, which they can spend on various upgrades to enhance passive earnings.
Inspired by Notcoin and classic social media games, Hamster Kombat has attracted 250+ million players. Its anonymous creators plan to launch their token on TON, with the first airdrop scheduled for July and a second one in the pipeline.
TapSwap
TapSwap, while following Notcoin’s tap-to-earn model, emphasizes social and interactive features. This game has drawn 60+ million players, and by late May 2024, its Telegram community had surpassed Notcoin’s in size. It is second to the Hamster Kombat army.
Players can mine TAPS using just a smartphone, and the team plans to launch the token on TON. However, the airdrop, initially slated for July 1, 2024, is delayed as the developers discovered bots manipulating the reward earning mechanism.
Catizen
Catizen offers a unique twist by having players match cartoon cats on a puzzle board. Instead of tapping a coin, they find themselves in a “cat-themed casual gaming center on Telegram” with play-to-earn airdrops.
The mechanics resemble popular games like 2048 and Threes but with enhanced rewards as the cat levels up. In the future, the team aims to upgrade these characters with AI and AR features.
Catizen plans to launch its token on the TON network, followed by a comprehensive GameFi platform enriched with staking, new game NFTs, airdrops, and revenue sharing.
Yescoin
Yescoin differentiates itself by replacing tapping with swiping. Players move their fingers across the screen to collect small pixel tokens and advance through various leagues.
This swipe-to-earn game has a vintage design that appeals to retro enthusiasts. Its Telegram community boasts over 18 million users globally, and the Yescoin token will also debut on TON.
PixelTap
PixelTap changes the game mechanics by having players tap a large yellow coin to smash rivals. The in-game currency can be used to upgrade bots, known as pets, which enhance the tapping pace to help defeat other players.
Developed by the Pixelverse team, the creators of a crypto punk gaming universe, PixelTap also offers a referral program. Users who invite others receive tokens in lump sums or as percentages of their referred friends’ earnings.
Is tap-to-earn gaming here to stay?
The rise of tap-to-earn games is fueled by their user-friendly mechanics, quick onboarding, and promise of rewards. The demand will continue as long as players remain eager for airdrops and potential earnings.
With hundreds of millions of users, T2E benefits advertisers and the TON blockchain. Yet with airdrops only beginning, time will tell if players’ tapping will pay off — and widespread interest will last.
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