The Popularity of Tap Games: Notcoin and Hamster Kombat

Published in

The Capital

5 min readAug 13, 2024

Tapping and earning

Tap games have quickly become a sensation in the gaming world, enthralling players with their simple yet highly engaging mechanics. These games, known for their intuitive and straightforward gameplay, demand minimal effort, making them widely accessible and appealing to a broad audience. So, what is fueling the immense popularity of tap games? Let’s start by talking about two of the most popular games — Hamster Kombat and Notcoin (NOT.)

Notcoin (NOT)

Notcoin is a Telegram-based game launched in early 2024 that allows users to earn cryptocurrency through a tap-to-earn mechanism. Players tap a virtual coin to earn Notcoins, which are later converted to $NOT tokens. The game features various missions and tasks to boost earnings, such as joining Telegram communities and following partner projects on social media. Notcoin is integrated with the TON blockchain for high transaction throughput and security. It has become one of the top 10 traded crypto coins in the market, with a market cap exceeding $2.2 billion. The game also includes a referral system that rewards players for inviting friends.

Hamster Kombat (HMSTR)

Hamster Kombat is a popular Telegram-based game where players manage a virtual crypto exchange by tapping digital hamsters to earn HMSTR coins, the game’s native token. The game has gained millions of active users due to its easy access through a Telegram bot without additional downloads. Players tap a digital hamster to mine coins, with more taps yielding more tokens. Earnings can be boosted by completing tasks like participating in the Daily Combo, subscribing to the game’s YouTube channel, or inviting friends. The game features special missions, daily check-ins, and exchange upgrades to increase coin earning rates. A key feature is its planned integration with The Open Network (TON) blockchain, allowing in-game assets to be converted to tokens during the token launch.

Let’s explore why these types of games have become a new trend. There are several reasons behind the widespread appeal and rapid adoption of these games.

Simple Gameplay

One of the biggest draws of tap games is their simplicity. These games are designed with intuitive mechanics that primarily involve repeated tapping of a screen or buttons. This straightforward approach means players can jump right in without needing a steep learning curve. Whether you’re waiting for your coffee or lounging at home, tap games are easy to pick up and play. The beauty of this simplicity is that it caters to all age groups and skill levels, making it universally appealing. Notcoin, for example, has gained popularity for its easy-to-understand tap-to-earn mechanics, where players tap a virtual coin to earn Notcoins, later converted to $NOT tokens.

Gradual Progression

Tap games often feature a gradual progression system where players can improve their abilities, acquire new items or characters, and unlock new levels as they advance in the game. This sense of continuous progression keeps players hooked, as they are motivated to achieve the next milestone or unlock the next reward. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing your efforts pay off, even if it’s just through a series of taps. In Hamster Kombat, players tap digital hamsters to mine HMSTR coins, with more taps yielding more tokens. The game also features special missions and daily check-ins that boost coin earning rates, providing players with a constant sense of achievement and improvement.

Automation and Passive Earning

Many tap games offer options to automate actions, allowing for passive earning opportunities. While this might impact social interactions within the game, it keeps players engaged by offering them easy ways to earn rewards without constant active participation. Imagine earning in-game currency while you’re busy with other tasks — it’s like having your cake and eating it, too. The ability to automate tasks and still progress in the game adds an element of convenience that’s hard to resist. In Notcoin, players can boost their earnings by completing various missions, such as joining Telegram communities or following partner projects on social media, allowing for a mix of active and passive earning.

Integration of Cryptocurrency Rewards

The integration of cryptocurrency rewards has added a whole new dimension to tap games. Players can earn real in-game currencies for their activities, which can be traded or sold on virtual crypto exchanges. This not only adds a financial incentive to play but also introduces players to the world of cryptocurrencies. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! The potential to earn real money or valuable digital assets creates an additional layer of motivation for players. In Hamster Kombat, for example, players can participate in community events and exchange upgrades, with the game’s planned integration with The Open Network (TON) blockchain promising even more lucrative opportunities for earning real crypto.

Social Elements

Some tap games incorporate social features such as leaderboards, competitions, or collaborative tasks to increase player engagement and offer a more rewarding experience. These social elements foster a sense of community and competition, encouraging players to interact with one another and stay invested in the game. There’s nothing like a bit of friendly competition to make a game more exciting. In Notcoin, a referral system encourages players to invite friends for additional rewards, while Hamster Kombat offers community events and competitions for immediate rewards, enhancing the overall gaming experience by making it more interactive and engaging.

Low Barrier to Entry

The low barrier to entry is another crucial factor in the popularity of tap games. Most of these games are free to play and do not require high-end devices or complex setups. Players can easily access and play these games on their smartphones or tablets, making them convenient for on-the-go entertainment. The accessibility of tap games means that anyone with a mobile device can start playing without any financial investment or technical expertise. This ease of access has contributed significantly to the widespread adoption of tap games, making them a popular choice for casual gamers looking for quick and enjoyable gaming sessions.

Engaging and Rewarding Experience

Overall, the combination of simple gameplay, gradual progression, potential for passive earning, and social interaction creates an engaging and rewarding experience for players. Tap games offer a perfect blend of entertainment and incentives, keeping players coming back for more. The engaging nature of these games lies in their ability to provide immediate gratification through simple actions while also offering long-term goals and rewards. This balance keeps players motivated and invested in the game as they continuously strive to achieve new milestones and earn more rewards.

The rise of tap games can be attributed to their accessibility, simplicity, and the innovative integration of cryptocurrency rewards. Games like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat have managed to capture the attention of a diverse audience by offering an easy-to-understand, engaging, and rewarding gaming experience. However, it is important to be aware of the potential downsides, including monotony, addiction, financial risks, and social pressure. As technology continues to evolve, tap games are likely to adapt and innovate further, ensuring their continued popularity in the gaming world. The future of tap games may see even more sophisticated features, enhanced social interactions, and new ways to earn rewards, keeping players engaged and entertained for years to come.