As an open platform based on blockchain, TON (The Open Network) has become an emerging paradise for game developers and users due to its ultra-high transaction processing speed and close integration with Telegram. TON is not only a decentralized network, it also provides unique opportunities for game developers and players through its core cryptocurrency, Toncoin. This article will take a deep look at the current status of games on the TON platform, analyze the current game types, future trends, and look forward to the huge potential of TON in the field of blockchain games.
What is TON?
TON (The Open Network) is a decentralized blockchain network created by the founder of Telegram, with Toncoin as its core cryptocurrency. One of the biggest features of TON is its transaction speed - it can process more than 100,000 transactions per second, which is much higher than traditional blockchain platforms. TON is not just a cryptocurrency platform, it is also directly integrated into Telegram, one of the world's largest instant messaging platforms.
TON’s deep integration with Telegram
TON provides developers with a unique opportunity to create and run applications such as mini-programs and games directly in Telegram. These applications do not need to be downloaded, and users can access them directly by clicking on a link or a bot, providing a seamless experience. This direct embedded approach makes TON an unparalleled development platform, especially considering Telegram's huge user base - 950 million monthly active users, of which more than 500 million interact with mini-programs every month.
Games on TON: Driving Innovation in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
In traditional game platforms, there is usually an incentive conflict between developers and platforms. Platforms often control revenue distribution by charging developers high fees. On TON, this pattern has changed fundamentally. TON has established a brand new ecosystem by providing a fee-free development environment and achieving a win-win situation between the platform and game developers through cryptocurrencies such as Toncoin.
Win-win mechanism between platform and game
By introducing Toncoin and other cryptocurrencies, TON provides incentives for developers, allowing more players to participate and purchase Toncoin, thereby driving up the price of Toncoin. This incentive mechanism enables the platform and developers to benefit together, no longer relying solely on charging high fees. This "symbiotic" model of TON has undoubtedly promoted the booming development of game development, especially in the field of mini-programs and fast-iterating games.
Popular game types on TON: from "click to earn money" to innovative gameplay
The explosion of “click to earn money” games
Currently, the most popular game types on TON are so-called "Tap-to-Earn Games". These games allow players to get rewards such as tokens or NFTs by clicking on the screen through simple and addictive gameplay. The design of these games is very simple, and players can usually get started quickly without complicated operations.
Although these games are simple to play, they are extremely attractive. Just like the games in the Web2 era, these "click to earn money" games rely on their "cute" or "fashionable" elements to accumulate a large user base in a short period of time. However, many of these games often find it difficult to maintain long-term vitality, and their life cycle usually does not exceed 6 months.
Tokens and NFT Incentives: Driving Gaming Growth
For example, Catizen attracts players through token airdrops. Of the total $CATI tokens, 34% are used for airdrops to players, the first 15% of tokens have been distributed in September 2024, and the remaining 19% of tokens will continue to be distributed through in-game interactions. This token economics model effectively incentivizes the continued participation of players, and through the participation of Toncoin, the entire ecosystem has a virtuous cycle.
The next generation of TON games: a combination of social games and DeFi games
Although the "click to earn money" games have achieved initial success on TON, the short life cycle and rapid decline of these games have also exposed their limitations. Therefore, the next generation of TON games will pay more attention to sociality, in-depth gameplay and integration with DeFi to create a more lasting game ecosystem.
The rise of social gaming
Social games will become an important direction for the TON platform in the future. Social games can enhance the interaction between players and improve the stickiness of the game by integrating sharing and social elements into the core gameplay. For example, Candy Crush Saga has achieved great success by using leaderboards and social sharing functions. TON can use its close integration with Telegram to further promote the development of social games and make the interaction between players a part of the game.
The combination of mid-core games and DeFi
Midcore games are a type of game that is between casual games and hardcore games. They usually have more complex game mechanics and are able to attract players who are willing to invest more time and energy. For example, Gatto has transformed from a "click to earn money" game to a midcore game, adding a PvE (player versus environment) game mode to improve the game's playability and depth.
In addition, with the development of DeFi (decentralized finance) protocols, DeFi games have also begun to emerge on TON. These games combine DeFi mechanisms, such as liquidity provision and yield farming, to attract players to participate through gamification.
The future of TON games: investment and technical support
As the TON platform matures, more and more investors and incubators are entering the field to provide financial and technical support to developers. Pantera made a major investment in TON in May 2023, marking a high recognition of the platform's potential in the blockchain gaming field. Many game studios have also joined the TON ecosystem, such as Helika, who provides financial support for games on Telegram to help game studios better publish and promote games.
In addition, Telegram has launched a program called Telegram Gaming Accelerator to help game developers optimize games, improve quality, and further promote the development of TON games.
Summary: Potential and Challenges of TON Games
As a brand-new blockchain platform, TON provides unique opportunities for game developers and players, especially through seamless integration with Telegram, breaking the limitations of traditional game platforms. However, despite the short-term success of games on the TON platform such as "Click to Earn", in the long run, only through innovative gameplay, deeper social interaction and integration with DeFi can the TON game ecosystem be made more robust and lasting.
With more investment and technical support in place, the future of TON games is full of great potential. If developers can seize this opportunity, innovate gameplay, and optimize player experience, they will be able to occupy a place in the vast arena of blockchain games.