The emergence of Web3 clicker games within the cryptocurrency space has given rise to doubts regarding their long-term viability, primarily due to their ability to generate quick profits.
Also termed idle games, these captivating yet uncomplicated games have experienced substantial growth in a mere month, captivating tens of millions of users and garnering substantial international recognition.
1. The Web3 clicker game hype
1.1. Notcoin
Notcoin, a game integrated into the Telegram messaging app and based on play-to-earn (P2E) mechanics, has been leading the way in this gaming revolution with an impressive player base of over 40 million users. Additionally, the game’s native token, NOT, has experienced a remarkable surge in value, skyrocketing by 240% since May 26th and reaching a peak market capitalization of 2.75 billion USD.
During the initial three weeks of May, the game witnessed a notable influx of 5 million fresh players, leading to a significant 14% growth in user base. This rapid expansion can be attributed to the strong emphasis placed on the game’s mission program, allowing players to passively acquire NOT tokens as rewards.
1.2. Hamster Kombat
Hamster Kombat stands as a distinct clicker game developed on the Telegram platform, and it has rapidly attained significant milestones within a brief timeframe. Remarkably, within a mere 77 days since its inception, the project has garnered a staggering user base of over 142 million individuals, surpassing the initial growth rates observed by prominent social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. Furthermore, the game’s YouTube channel has successfully amassed more than 21 million subscribers, thereby accentuating its compelling allure.
1.3. Banana
A simple idle clicker game called Banana has become a massive hit on Steam, reaching over 400,000 concurrent players. The game involves clicking on a banana to receive a banana sticker in the Steam inventory, which can then be sold on the Steam Marketplace. Some rare stickers have sold for as much as $1,400, though most cost around $0.02. The developers describe Banana as a “legal infinite money glitch,” allowing players to earn money by selling virtual items. Despite its simplicity, the game’s success has sparked interest and may inspire similar games.
2. Why do Web3 clicker games on TON allure tons of users?
Those aforementioned games have managed to make a significant impression on users by seamlessly integrating the addictive mechanisms of casual gaming with the allure of earning cryptocurrency-based income.
2.1. The allure of idle game mechanics
The first step is to address the fundamental nature of idle games or clicker games. While not resonating with everyone due to their passive gameplay style, many players derive pleasure from the relaxation, sense of progression, and addictive nature that idle games offer. The appeal of these games varies from person to person.
- Idle games provide a tranquil and stress-free gaming experience, offering a therapeutic escape for players. With their simple mechanics and repetitive tasks, these games create a soothing and pleasurable atmosphere that can alleviate tension, without the burden of complex actions or rapid decision-making.
- Idle games excel in providing a profound sense of advancement and achievement. Players witness a steady increase in in-game metrics over time, fostering a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. The continuous feedback of observing numerical growth or unlocking new features serves as a powerful motivator.
- Designed for short, intermittent play sessions or passive engagement, idle games are an ideal choice for players seeking a gaming experience without committing to prolonged gameplay. Players can conveniently monitor their progress and make strategic choices, while the game runs in the background.
- Idle games often employ addictive gameplay loops that captivate and engage players. The incremental nature of these games, where progress is made in small increments, creates an irresistible allure that encourages players to return repeatedly.
- Idle games enable players to make progress even when they are not actively playing, appealing to individuals withlimited time availability for gaming. This feature allows players to make substantial strides in the game despite their constrained schedule.
For short:
- These games are accessible, everyone can play it.
- They always reward you, you actually can’t lose.
- They have infinite progression, it’s almost impossible to reach the end.
2.2. The allure from GameFi mechanics
The concept of GameFi has been a prominent narrative that has drawn significant attention from many individuals, primarily due to the appeal of the ability to earn money through the gaming experience.
- The play-to-earn model allows players to generate real-world monetary rewards or cryptocurrency through their gaming activities. This financial incentive appeals to players who are interested in supplementing their income or even earning a living through gaming.
- In play-to-earn games, players can often own in-game assets, items, or currencies that have real-world value and can be traded or sold. This sense of ownership and the ability to monetize these in-game assets are attractive features for players, providing a sense of control and investment in the gaming ecosystem.
- The play-to-earn model provides earning opportunities to a wider audience, including individuals in regions with limited economic prospects. This democratization of earning potential through gaming appeals to those seeking alternative income streams and a chance to improve their financial situation.
3. A mass marketing ploy or genuine crypto adoption?
Clicker games built on the Web3 and blockchain technology are considered a new trend in the cryptocurrency space. They offer a fresh approach to online gaming by incorporating decentralized features and allowing players to fully control and own their digital assets.
According to Inal Kardan, the Head of the Game Department at TON Foundation, accumulating 35 million users in a short span of 5 months has shown him and his team that they can “create unique gaming opportunities by utilizing messaging platforms on social networks” while also attracting users to engage in the cryptocurrency field.
While Web3 clicker games have gained immense popularity and generated quick profits, concerns have been raised about their long-term sustainability, due to their potential reliance on speculative behaviors and the possibility of being short-lived trends. It suggests that the profit-making aspect of these games may be a driving factor for their attractiveness. However, it also raises doubts about the long-term viability of such games and their ability to provide sustained engagement for players.
4. Get ready for the next move
The developers of Notcoin appear to recognize the importance of progress. Consequently, they have revealed their intentions to introduce fresh functionalities. Recently, they initiated the “Explore” program, which enables users to accumulate coins and receive additional rewards by accomplishing diverse tasks from different Web3 projects.
Similarly, Hamster Kombat is also aiming to broaden its services and release its HMSTR token on the TON blockchain. The token airdrop allocation will not be based on the number of coins accumulated in the game before the deadline. Instead, the amount of HMSTR tokens airdropped will depend on the number of coins generated per hour in the game’s account, along with a few other operational parameters that will be disclosed later.
The information provided in this article is for reference only and should not be taken as investment advice. All investment decisions should be based on thorough research and personal evaluation.