Hamster Kombat is fun but the ‘tapping’ mechanic needs improvement

The fundamentals of tap-to-earn gaming will remain, but gameplay is expected to change a lot in the coming year, according to GeeZee, head of gaming at Ethereum layer-2 network Mantle.

“I predict we’ll see a shift towards new, simple mechanics that aim to capture the core of tap-to-earn gaming — accessibility — while offering more diverse gameplay by the end of 2025,” GeeZee told Web3 Gamer.

GeeZee predicts the rise of swipe-to-earn and jump-to-earn games, as they offer “more dynamic interaction” while retaining the “low barrier and high accessibility that has made tap-to-earn popular.”

“It's very likely that developers will continue to experiment, iterate, and release tap-to-earn games over the next 12 months,” he said.

One tap-to-earn game GeeZee has particularly enjoyed playing this year is the clicker game Hamster Kombat, where players take on the role of a hamster CEO managing a virtual cryptocurrency exchange.

“It's a light and fun game, perfect for relaxing in your free time,” GeeZee said, adding that he doesn't play for the purpose of making money.

“I don't expect to make money from the game, I mainly appreciate it for the entertainment value and excitement it brings,” he explained.

While tap-to-earn games have been derided for their boring “just tap” gameplay, their popularity this year is undeniable. Hamster Kombat attracted 239 million users in its first 81 days, after its release in March.

Meanwhile, Telegram clicker game Notcoin recorded 20 million users in 26 days since its release in April.

While the opportunity to make money from cryptocurrency and hype may play a big role in tap-to-earn’s success, GeeZee stresses that “the primary goal of the game should always be entertainment value.”

“I don't believe it should be positioned as a viable way to generate income,” he added.

As for upcoming Web3 games, GeeZee is particularly excited about the full releases of Family Fren and Digital Fire, but the game at the top of his list is hardcore action RPG Blade of God X.

“It's simply beautiful, and it's no exaggeration to say that it's easily one of the best Souls-like games in the space — Web3 or otherwise. Party Icons taps into my favorite genre with fast-paced, social gameplay,” he said.

Sky Mavis Launches Tamagotchi Web3 ‘Axie Pals’

Tamagotchis may have been long gone, but the company behind Axie Infinity believes it's time for a comeback. This time, they're bringing them into the world of Web3.

Dubbed “Tamagotchi Web3,” the “Axie Pals” artificial intelligence Google Chrome extension lets users care for their Axie NFTs on screen 24/7.

If you have an Axie NFT, you can have your little pet dangling from your screen while you work, browse the web, or just relax with Netflix.


Sky Mavis co-founder and chief growth officer Jeff Zirlin told Web3 Gamer that Axie Pals “taps into the nostalgic concept of the Tamagotchi” but with a new Web3 perspective.

“Axie Pals transforms the relationship between the player and the Axie. It's not just a one-time interaction,” he explains.

“Axie Pals will be with you in your everyday life — whether you’re in a meeting, tweeting, or just browsing the web. Your Axie is always by your side, collecting AXP and growing in real time,” he said.

The response from the Axie community has been generally positive.

Web3 content creator EmpressRaeon noted in a September 26 X post that he bought his Axie Infinity because it resembled his deceased childhood puppy. “It hangs out with me when I’m on Twitter, I can feed it and play with it. AxiePals is awesome,” EmpressRaeon wrote.

But some users say it would be great if these little virtual creatures had more functionality.

“Axie Pals needs utility like widgets or custom quick access buttons,” Web3 game commentator HunterTV suggested in a September 28 X post, mentioning that it would be useful to be able to connect ChatGPT accounts, Spotify, or even check the Ronin Token price regularly.

Zirlin hinted that more Axie Pal features are coming. “Look forward to us continuing to experiment with new product ideas,” he said.

Over the past three months, Axie Infinity has seen a surge in activity, with a 53.27% increase in Unique Active Wallets (UAW) interacting with the game, reaching 87,270 wallets, according to data from DappRadar.

Pro Gamer Works 80 Hours a Week Before $100,000 Tournament

Being a full-time Web3 gamer isn't as easy as it looks. Some gamers are working the equivalent of two full-time jobs every week to prepare for a major tournament this year, according to Yield Guild Games (YGG) co-founder Gabby Dizon.

“Our pro gamers in YGG Esports put in about 60-80 hours a week,” Dizon told Web3 Gamer, noting that skill is the only factor that separates the best gamers from the rest.

“Web3 esports is about nothing but skill. It doesn’t care who you are or where you come from. You just have to be good at the game. You have to be the best.”

The hours will only get longer for the world's best gamers as they prepare for the big showdown in November in the Philippines, fighting for a share of the six-figure prize pool in the competitive sci-fi card game, Parallel.

YGG is partnering with Parallel TCG to bring the YGG Play Summit (YPS) to Manila, Philippines, in a tournament with a prize pool of $100,000.

“Parallel League is to Web3 what Magic Pro Tour and Hearthstone World Championship are to traditional TCGs and Web2,” Dizon explains.

Competition will only get tougher as more pro gamers move over from Web2.

“Some people are suited to esports, and we are seeing great players from Web2 make the jump to Web3. But these players are the best, and not everyone can compete at that level,” Dizon said.

“Web3 guilds will play a big role in this, providing support and guidance to these new competitive players,” he added.

Other news:

— Floki's play-to-earn MMORPG Valhalla has partnered with esports organization Alliance as its official Web3 gaming partner. Floki notes that the partnership will introduce Valhalla to Alliance's 7 million online followers.

— Line Hero has announced a new Web3 game, Rent a Hero Z, based on SEGA's 1991 action RPG “Rent A Hero.” The game is scheduled to launch in 2025.

— Global sports brand Puma has partnered with Web3 mobile game UNKJD Soccer to use Puma-licensed content in the game.

Arbitrum-based Layer 3 solution for AAA games Xai has announced rogue-lite multiplayer shooter Riftstorm as their new exclusive title.

Ciaran Lyons

Ciaran Lyons is an Australian crypto journalist. He is also a comedian and has been a radio and TV presenter on Triple J, SBS and The Project.