These are small, generally simple and addictive gaming apps that are integrated into Telegram chats. By playing games, users are rewarded with tokens, which are cryptocurrencies specific to that game. These tokens can have various uses within the game's ecosystem, such as purchasing virtual items, participating in governance, or even being exchanged for more well-known cryptocurrencies.
Why are they causing such a stir?
Gamification of cryptocurrencies: Bringing the world of cryptocurrencies closer to a wider audience, especially young people, by transforming transactions into a fun and rewarding experience.
Passive Income Generation: Users can earn tokens simply by playing the game, which represents a potential way to generate additional income.
Community and socialization: These games encourage interaction between users, creating communities around a common interest.
Innovation in the gaming industry: They represent a new way of monetizing games and involving users in the gaming economy.
Catizen: A prominent example
One of the best-known examples of this trend is Catizen. Launched in March 2024, this platform offers a wide variety of mini-games, from puzzles to strategy games, all within the Telegram ecosystem. Catizen has managed to accumulate more than 10 million downloads in just a few weeks, demonstrating the great public interest in this type of experience.
What does this revolution entail?
Democratizing Cryptocurrency: By making cryptocurrencies more accessible and fun, these games can contribute to wider adoption of cryptocurrencies.
New business opportunities: For developers, content creators and brands, these games represent a new source of income and a way to connect with their audience.
Evolution of social media: Telegram and other instant messaging platforms could become centers of entertainment and digital economy, thanks to the integration of these mini-games.
What challenges do they face?
Regulation: The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies and gaming poses regulatory challenges.
Token Stability: The value of tokens generated by these games can be volatile, which can create uncertainty among users.
Sustainability: For these games to be successful in the long term, it is necessary to create strong and balanced game economies.
The token-generating mini-game revolution on Telegram is an exciting trend that is transforming the way we interact with cryptocurrencies and video games. While it is still early to predict the future of this trend, it is clear that these games are opening up new possibilities and challenging traditional forms of entertainment and digital economy.