Game On: Inside Telegram’s Growing Web3 Gaming Empire

As Web3 gaming grows, new platforms are rising to the top. One of them is Telegram, a messaging app with 900m+ users, which is seeing a gaming explosion. According to a recent report from Helika, Notcoin, Hamster Kombat and Catizen are trending, making Telegram a must-have for Web3 game studios. With the ease of use and playability built in, Telegram is becoming a major player in Web3 gaming.

In this article, we dive into insights from the report, exploring everything from rising player engagement and NFT integration to shifting demographics and standout games on the platform.

Telegram Gaming Growth

Helika’s report shows Telegram’s gaming scene is growing fast, with some games reaching 100,000 players in a single month. While Catizen and Hamster Kombat are the most popular, even smaller games are seeing user growth.

One of the critical challenges in the report is discoverability. As more games are being developed for Telegram, developers need to come up with a marketing strategy to keep their games visible in a crowded market. However, the data shows that games can see extensive user engagement and growth with the right approach.

According to Helika, the average session length for Telegram gamers has increased from 2.8 minutes to 6.7 minutes. So, players play not only more often but also for longer. Also, player retention is up – a good sign that Telegram offers a more engaging gaming experience than other platforms.

NFT Integration Boosts Player Engagement

The report also shows a big increase in NFT usage in Telegram games. In September alone, 3 million active wallets were seen in 9 games, including Catizen, GAMEE and Cat Gold Miner. The data shows Telegram gamers are not just creating wallets but actively engaging with NFTs by buying, trading or using them in their games.

This level of engagement means the blockchain features are resonating with Telegram’s users. For developers, this is an opportunity to tap into the growing interest in digital assets and drive player engagement and game growth.

Telegram Gaming Demographics

Interestingly, Helika’s report shows a unique demographic trend in Telegram’s gaming ecosystem. Web3 gamers have historically been more active in Southeast Asia and Latin America. Still, Telegram sees most of its players from Europe. This is a different user profile compared to other Web3 platforms and presents new opportunities for developers to target specific regions or audiences.

The European user base and Telegram’s global reach mean game studios have diverse demographic opportunities. Developers can use this data to create targeted marketing campaigns that cater to different player preferences worldwide and get their games to a broader audience.

Case Studies: Telegram’s Top Games

The report also features specific examples of games that have come out of the Telegram ecosystem. Catizen, for instance, just completed its first airdrop, distributed 34% of its total token supply in September 2024, and saw a big increase in player activity. GAMEE saw a 300% month-over-month increase in transactions and player engagement.

Another game to watch out for is X Empire, which has had 48 million players since July 2024 with 483 million in-game tokens mined. Rocky Rabbit also has 30 million players through its in-game tasks and rewards system. These are examples of the potential for growth on Telegram for developers as long as they can tap into the platform’s unique features and audience.

Opportunities for Developers in the Telegram Ecosystem

Several features make Telegram an attractive platform for developers and players. One of the most notable is the integrated user experience; games can function within the messaging app itself. Players can switch between chatting and gameplay without leaving the app or downloading additional software.

Another feature is the solid social integration within the platform. Players can share game updates in group chats and channels, challenge friends and discuss gameplay. This means games can grow organically through word of mouth and social interaction.

Lastly, the use of blockchain has been a big factor in Telegram’s gaming ecosystem. Many games offer token rewards, airdrops and decentralized economies where players can buy, sell or own in-game assets.

Conclusion

The Telegram Gaming Report is an optimistic look into the platform’s growth and potential. With 900 million users and a growing gaming ecosystem, Telegram is becoming a major hub for Web3 game development. The ease of access and social and blockchain integration means ample opportunities for game studios to reach a broad and engaged audience.

Editor’s note: Written with the assistance of AI – Edited and fact-checked by Jason Newey.