Telegram mini-apps have emerged as game changers in the blockchain gaming sector. Developers are targeting to capture the messenger’s 950 million user base through Telegram mini-apps.
This surge marks a pivot from the hype cycles experienced by the blockchain gaming sector, particularly evident during the 2021 bull run when platforms like Axie Infinity and Decentraland dominated headlines.
Challenges With Web3 Games
Axie Infinity, once the poster child for blockchain gaming success, boasted 2.8 million average monthly players in January 2022. However, last month, its player base dwindled to approximately 325,928, reflecting broader trends within the blockchain gaming sector.
This decline highlights the challenges of maintaining player engagement in the Web3 gaming sector.
Read more: Axie Infinity (AXS) Explained for Beginners
However, the sector has transformed since late 2022. According to a CoinGecko report, approximately 2,127 out of 2,817 launched Web3 games have ceased operations. This means that three out of four web3 games became inactive by November 2023.
The blockchain gaming hype cooled considerably as user interfaces and complex mechanics deterred widespread adoption.
In an interview with BeInCrypto, Yat Siu, co-founder of Animoca Brands, highlights the daunting barriers to entry into blockchain games. He describes the intricate steps required—from installing a wallet plugin to securing a wallet with a seed phrase—procedures that can be off-putting to traditional gamers accustomed to more streamlined experiences.
“This gap in user experience is substantial, presenting a hurdle for gamers considering a shift from traditional gaming to blockchain gaming, especially for those who are unaware of the benefits of blockchain and who are not yet financially literate,” Siu told BeInCrypto
Read more: Top 7 Metaverse Games to Play in 2024
Naz Ventura, founder of TapSwap, echoes Siu’s observations. He points out the additional hurdles of explaining the necessity of Web3 wallets and gas fees, which can extend to hours for newcomers unfamiliar with crypto operations. Both industry leaders advocate for simplified interfaces and interactive tutorials to attract a broader audience.
“Consider a classic blockchain game – you need a Web3 wallet like MetaMask to use it, and you’ve got to have some coins in it to pay gas fees. Only explaining those to a non-crypto user can take you an hour or more. And we don’t want to stay confined to the Web3 audience, do we?” Ventura told BeInCrypto.
How Telegram Mini Apps Simplify User Onboarding Experience
In stark contrast to these complexities, Telegram mini apps introduced in 2024 represent a simplification in blockchain gaming. These apps integrate seamlessly within the Telegram ecosystem, providing a hassle-free gaming experience devoid of the typical barriers associated with blockchain games.
Read more: Top 7 Telegram Tap-to-Earn Games to Play in 2024
Bozena Rezab, co-founder of GAMEE, elaborates on the accessibility of Telegram games.
“Casual games are popular on Telegram for their quick accessible entertainment. By introducing blockchain-based rewards and collectibles into a familiar gaming experience, users are able to interact with a blockchain for fun and in a familiar context, without needing in-depth technical knowledge. It makes blockchain more approachable to a wider audience,” Rezab told BeInCrypto.
Ventura praises the integration of blockchain technology in Telegram mini apps, where it is almost invisible to the user. This subtle introduction to blockchain features allows users to enjoy the gaming experience while gradually familiarizing themselves with Web3 concepts.
“In a TON-based app, you barely notice it’s running on the blockchain. When all the Web3 wallet hassle is gone, users can simply enjoy the game. As they do, the app might introduce them to some basic blockchain concepts or may eventually ask them to do something blockchain-related but simple – for example, check their wallet address. This way gamers can experience blockchain technology in a familiar environment and have a smooth onboarding into Web3,” Ventura told BeInCrypto.
Telegram Ecosystem Attracts Industry Leaders Like Binance
The expansive user base of Telegram, which boasts over 950 million monthly active users, with more than 500 million engaging with mini-apps monthly, sets a potent stage for increased Web3 adoption.
Read more: Tap-to-Earn: What to Know About the Crypto GameFi Trend
The massive audience has also captured the attention of major players in the cryptocurrency space, like Binance. The exchange has teased the launch of “Moonbix,” a play-to-earn game on Telegram’s mini-app platform, showcasing the growing interest in this space.
Ventura believes that the simplicity and popularity of Telegram mini apps could serve as a blueprint for future blockchain games, emphasizing ease of use and enjoyment over complexity. This approach could attract more diverse audiences and significantly expand the blockchain gaming user base.
The simplicity of Telegram mini apps, along with their popularity, can show what a blockchain game may look like and what it can achieve in a short period of time.
“More diverse audiences are to engage with blockchain gaming, expanding the overall user base and making blockchain gaming accessible to a much broader audience. By lowering the barriers to entry, these games can help bridge the gap between casual and more advanced Web3 experiences,” Ventura told BeInCrypto.
Despite the optimistic outlook, there are inherent risks associated with Telegram mini apps and the TON ecosystem. Ventura acknowledges potential security vulnerabilities and the challenges of maintaining a blockchain infrastructure without compromising simplicity. Recent operational hiccups, like the TON blockchain outages triggered by high activity during a DOGS token airdrop, highlight some of these challenges.
In conclusion, Telegram mini apps stand at the forefront of blockchain gaming transformation. By simplifying the user experience and seamlessly integrating blockchain technology, these apps enhance the appeal of blockchain gaming and also pave the way for its potential mass adoption.
Read more: What Are Telegram Mini Apps? A Guide for Crypto Beginners
The continued innovation and integration of these platforms could very well dictate the future trajectory of blockchain gaming, making it accessible and enjoyable for a global audience.
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