Telegram Games and the TON Blockchain

The popularity of Telegram-based games is rapidly increasing due to low-cost customer acquisition and the impact of blockchain technology. Notcoin founder Sasha Plotvinov stands out as one of the pioneers of this trend. According to Plotvinov, the main advantage of developing games on Telegram is the potential to onboard new users at minimal costs. Both large companies and small developers are turning to Telegram games to seize this opportunity.

Plotvinov estimates that the cost of acquiring a user through Telegram mini-games could be less than $1. This provides a significant advantage compared to other platforms, where the cost per user typically ranges between $10 and $15. For projects in the blockchain and web3 ecosystems, this low-cost strategy is revolutionary for the gaming world. Blockchain games integrate with decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, allowing users to earn cryptocurrency while playing, making both gaming and earning crypto attractive.

Telegram-based games are often built on The Open Network (TON) blockchain. TON is an independent blockchain network developed to contribute to Telegram’s crypto ecosystem. This blockchain enables users to earn tokens while playing games and integrates with Telegram’s vast user base. Pavel Durov openly supports TON and games on Telegram, fostering the growth of this ecosystem. In September 2023, Telegram’s native crypto wallet, TON Space, was launched, and since then, over 23 million new wallets have been added to the ecosystem, providing a strong foundation for the adoption of blockchain-based games.

Tap-to-earn games on Telegram, such as Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, and Yescoin, attracted millions of new users in 2023. These games aim to build large player bases using simple mechanics. However, Plotvinov expresses concern about their sustainability. Many players join these games solely for the incentive of earning money, not for fun. Plotvinov suggests that this model may not be sustainable in the long run and shares that Notcoin is diversifying by developing new game styles. For example, new games like Lost Dogs and Not Pixel focus on deeper gameplay mechanics rather than being purely reward-driven.

Not only small developers but also major players are following this trend. Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, launched a Telegram-based game called Moonbix in recent months. This move highlights Binance’s interest in low-cost acquisition opportunities. Binance’s step could significantly impact the widespread adoption of crypto games. Additionally, the rapid community-building capacity of Telegram-based games provides developers with more data and feedback, allowing for quicker evolution of games.

The fast growth of Telegram-based games has led some platforms to invest in innovation. With the support of Notcoin, Helika launched a $50 million Telegram game accelerator. This accelerator encourages more innovation by investing in game developers. Anton Umnov, Helika’s founder, mentions that many developers see Telegram as an “innovation lab.” Its large user base allows games to be quickly tested and refined.

Telegram-based games, combined with blockchain technology, offer low-cost user acquisition opportunities. These games have become appealing to both large and small developers. In particular, the TON blockchain and its infrastructure enable the swift adoption of these games. The entry of major players like Binance suggests that Telegram games will continue to grow in the future. However, sustainability and the quality of game mechanics will be critical factors determining how successful these games will be in the long term.

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