Notcoin, a leading Web3 gaming project of 2024, has declared the tap-to-earn model “probably dead,” signaling a significant shift in the Telegram gaming landscape. This announcement comes as Web3 gaming evolves toward more engaging and enjoyable experiences for players.
During Token2049 in Dubai, Notcoin co-founders Sasha and Vladimir Plotvinov, along with Uliana Salo, head of design and product lead for NotGames, shared their insights with Cointelegraph regarding the current state and future of Telegram-based Web3 gaming.
Vladimir Plotvinov emphasized that game developers are actively transitioning to different genres as the tap-to-earn model has failed to maintain player interest. He stated, “We’re going to see different types of games, as tap-to-earn games are probably dead because they’re not sustainable.”
The Shift Towards Fun and Engagement
Notcoin experienced massive popularity in 2024, onboarding over 30 million users within three months. Sasha Plotvinov previously credited the game’s success to its ability to seamlessly integrate Telegram users into the crypto world.
However, the initial wave of Telegram games saw users quickly moving from one game to another, simply “farming” tokens before losing interest. Sasha explained, “Users who come to farm—their motivation is just to earn something. And with games, it’s more like I have fun, I want to play with my friends, and I want to play within a group.”
He added that while the first generation of Telegram games lacked this crucial social element, Web3 can still play a significant role in the platform’s gaming ecosystem by providing an engaging environment and integrating a model in which Web3 economy becomes an ‘add-on’ rather than the primary reason for its user base.
Sasha believes that Telegram gaming is transitioning toward models where the Web3 economy enhances the gaming experience rather than being the sole focus. Development is underway, however, as Sasha suggested there are still no ‘real games’ on Telegram yet, and more updates are to come to bridge the gap.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Web3 Gaming
Vladimir Plotvinov highlighted the role of artificial intelligence and Telegram in simplifying game development for Web3 developers.
According to the Notcoin co-founder, AI technology has significantly improved developers’ speed and efficiency in writing game code. “It saves time. My speed of delivery becomes faster. I write code faster than usual because I save a lot of time on other easy tasks.”
He also emphasized the importance of caution when using AI in project development. “You have to pay a lot of attention, have the expertise and experience because you have to see like how the API will work, how it will be connected to each other, how it will work on high load with a lot of users.”
Exponential Growth Predicted for Telegram Web3 Gaming
Despite the decline of the tap-to-earn model, Uliana Salo remains optimistic about the growth potential of Telegram’s Web3 gaming industry. She draws parallels between Telegram and established platforms like Facebook and WeChat, which have thriving gaming ecosystems.
“We believe in our chances because we already have a similar platform like WeChat and Facebook, which already have their game ecosystems, and it’s a huge market. The number of users is practically the same,” Salo stated.
Salo acknowledged that Telegram’s gaming scene currently lacks significant publishers and investor funding but anticipates exponential growth in the near future. She hopes that a shift in gaming motivations and strategies will cause a spike in the user base.
Salo emphasized the importance of shifting the focus from token earnings to the inherent enjoyment of gameplay. “We’re trying to get this extra part, like this ‘fun’ with something that people are doing not only for money, just for themselves,” Salo said.
Key Takeaways and Future Outlook
- Tap-to-Earn’s Decline: Notcoin declares tap-to-earn games unsustainable due to their reliance on token farming over engaging gameplay.
- Shift to Fun: The future of Telegram Web3 gaming lies in creating enjoyable experiences that prioritize fun and social interaction.
- AI’s Impact: Artificial intelligence is streamlining game development, enhancing efficiency for Web3 developers.
- Exponential Growth: Despite current limitations, Telegram’s Web3 gaming industry is poised for exponential growth, fueled by a focus on engaging gameplay and strategic partnerships.
The future of Web3 gaming on Telegram hinges on a shift towards engaging, community-driven experiences that prioritize fun over mere token acquisition. With the integration of AI and strategic investment, Telegram is well-positioned to become a major player in the evolving world of Web3 gaming.
