Play-to-earn (P2E) games were once seen as the future of gaming, but they ultimately fell short. The problem with P2E games was that they tried to introduce gamers to crypto, which ended up not being the key to building trust or achieving widespread adoption. However, the focus has now shifted to a new model called “Tap-to-Earn” games, which offer a more accessible and engaging way to earn crypto.
Unlike traditional P2E games that often require complex gameplay and a significant time commitment, Tap-to-Earn games are designed to be more user-friendly. These games leverage existing social platforms like Telegram, where people already spend a lot of their time, making it easier for them to participate and earn crypto rewards.
In the last three months alone, over 200 million people have become virtual CEOs of a crypto exchange in a popular Telegram clicker game called Hamster Kombat. Other successful Tap-to-Earn games like TapSwap and Yescoin have also attracted millions of users, signaling a shift towards mass adoption of Web3 gaming within the Telegram ecosystem.
One of the driving forces behind the adoption of Tap-to-Earn games is the use of Telegram Mini Apps. While other Telegram games like Gatto and Fanton have shown progress, the clicker games have managed to capture a larger audience due to their off-chain gameplay and attractive incentives for users.
Notcoin, one of the first viral Tap-to-Earn games, managed to attract millions of players and successfully transitioned a significant portion of them into Web3 users. This success has inspired other games like PixelTap to follow a similar strategy of attracting users with off-chain gameplay before introducing on-chain mechanics and token rewards.
One of the key factors contributing to the success of Tap-to-Earn games is their simple gameplay and engaging progression system. These games offer players the opportunity to earn rewards through community airdrops without the need for complex on-chain actions, making them more appealing to a wider audience.
In addition to the gameplay experience, Tap-to-Earn games also benefit from leveraging social interactions, encouraging players to invite friends and compete in squads for higher rewards. By choosing TON’s blockchain and tapping into Telegram’s massive user base, these games have been able to reach a global audience and attract more players.
While the sustainability of the Tap-to-Earn trend remains a topic of debate, the success of games like Notcoin in maintaining on-chain metrics and retaining users suggests that there is potential for long-term growth. As more applications outside of traditional gaming adopt the Tap-to-Earn model, the future of earning crypto through simple interactions and quests looks promising.
Overall, the rise of Tap-to-Earn games represents a shift towards rewarding users for their time, attention, and engagement, paving the way for mass adoption of Web3 gaming. With the support of established players in the industry and a growing interest in alternative revenue models, the next big breakthrough in gaming could be just a tap away.
