TLDR
Hamster Kombat is a popular play-to-earn game on Telegram with over 250 million players globally.
Russian politician Anatoly Aksakov calls it a “scam” and wants it stopped in Russia.
The game uses TON blockchain and plans to convert in-game coins to HMSTR tokens.
Hamster Kombat’s founders aim to reach 1 billion users and promote financial literacy.
The game has led to increased sales of muscle massage guns used for tapping screens.
Hamster Kombat, a play-to-earn game hosted on Telegram, has quickly become one of the most popular blockchain-based games since its launch in early 2024. With over 250 million players worldwide, the game has gained attention from both enthusiasts and critics.
In Hamster Kombat, players take on the role of a hamster CEO managing a virtual cryptocurrency exchange.
The game uses a simple tapping mechanic, where players earn virtual coins by tapping on their digital hamster, completing daily tasks, and participating in special events. These coins can be used to upgrade the virtual exchange and increase earning potential.
The game runs on The Open Network (TON) blockchain, which was developed by Telegram. Players’ in-game coins are expected to become convertible to HMSTR tokens, a new cryptocurrency set to launch in the third quarter of 2024. This integration of real-world value has contributed to the game’s popularity.
However, not everyone is happy about Hamster Kombat’s success. Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on the Financial Market, has labeled the game a “scam” and called for its termination in Russia. Aksakov argues that the game manipulates people’s psychology, making them believe they can become wealthy with minimal effort.
“Such things must be stopped,” Aksakov stated in an interview with local media. “In my opinion, this is clearly a scam. Manipulation and use of the psychology of citizens. Especially those who do not really want to work, but dream that they can play with a minimum of effort and get rich.”
Despite this criticism, Hamster Kombat continues to grow in popularity. The game has had unexpected effects on consumer behavior, with Russian retailers reporting a nearly threefold increase in sales of muscle massage guns from May to June. Players use these devices to tap their mobile screens more efficiently.
The anonymous team behind Hamster Kombat has ambitious goals for the project. They revealed their aim to reach 1 billion users globally. The team describes Hamster Kombat as an “edutainment project” designed for mass adoption, with a focus on teaching users about blockchain and Web3 technologies.
“We are an edutainment project created with the goal of mass adoption. Our mission is to reach 1 billion people worldwide who will be a part of this whole project and will be learning about the blockchain and web3 worlds,”
the team stated. They also emphasized their interest in promoting financial literacy and universal basic income.
The founders plan to keep the game running for a long time, with a second airdrop planned for the next two years. They also stressed their efforts to maintain the integrity of the project by removing bot accounts, following the example of similar games like Notcoin.
Hamster Kombat’s popularity extends beyond Russia, with significant adoption in countries like Nigeria and Iran. However, its rapid growth and potential impact have raised concerns. In Iran, the game is viewed as a “soft war” instrument, reflecting broader geopolitical implications.
As Hamster Kombat continues to grow, it faces both opportunities and challenges. While its founders aim to educate users about blockchain technology and finance, critics worry about its potential for manipulation and addiction. The game’s future success may depend on how it balances these concerns with its ambitious goals for growth and education in the crypto space.
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