There's a new trend emerging in the intersection of gaming and blockchain technology. This trend is Telegram game mini apps. These mini apps, built on the TON (The Open Network) blockchain, are emerging as a powerful tool for crypto projects, subtly embedding blockchain elements into widely accessible games. This strategy not only engages a broad user base but also introduces them to the potential of cryptocurrency in a familiar and enjoyable context.

The Rise of GameFi on TON

The TON ecosystem, with its robust and scalable blockchain infrastructure, provides an ideal platform for GameFi (gaming finance) applications. By integrating with Telegram, which boasts over 800 million users, developers can leverage a vast audience without the typical barriers to entry found in traditional app stores. Telegram mini apps enable seamless game integration within the messaging app, offering instant access and easy user engagement.

https://ton.org/gamefi

Key features of TON that benefit game developers include:

• Fast and Low-Cost Transactions: Capable of processing over a million transactions per second, TON ensures smooth and cost-effective gaming experiences.

• Secure Wallet Integration: TON Connect 2.0 allows for secure user wallet connections, facilitating safe transactions and interactions within games.

• Community Building Tools: Telegram's extensive community features help developers build and maintain active user bases, crucial for the success of GameFi projects.

Case Studies

Notcoin

Notcoin has achieved notable success as a GameFi application within the TON ecosystem. Launched as a play-to-earn game on Telegram, it quickly captured a large user base by combining engaging gameplay with blockchain rewards.

The game mechanics are simple. Just tap the screen to mine Notcoins. There are also mechanics to mine more, like completing quests, joining squads, using power-ups, etc.

In just a few months Notcoin instantly became a top-10 cryptocurrency in the world by trading volume, reaching nearly $700 million in market capitalization.

https://t.me/notcoin_bot

Key Metrics and Achievements:

• Rapid User Growth: Notcoin attracted over 650,000 users within weeks of its closed beta launch in November 2023. By the official launch on January 1, 2024, it had over 5 million players in its first week alone.

• Market Capitalization: Notcoin's market cap reached approximately $2.25 billion, with a 24-hour trading volume of $1.69 billion, highlighting its significant impact and widespread adoption.

• Active Wallets: Over 678,000 on-chain wallets now hold NOT tokens, indicating broad investor interest and adoption within the TON ecosystem​.

WatProtocol by Gamee

WatProtocol is a newly launched project by Gamee. It integrates innovative mining and earning mechanisms within its gameplay, attracting a new wave of users to the TON ecosystem.

https://t.me/gamee/mining

One of the standout features of WatProtocol is its innovative approach to engaging users through a series of gamified episodes. Each episode introduces new ways for players to earn WatPoints, incentivizing continuous engagement and participation. The protocol also offers both soft and hard staking options for GMEE tokens, rewarding players based on their level of commitment and activity within the ecosystem. This dual approach not only retains existing users but also attracts new ones looking for varied ways to earn rewards.

https://points.gamee.com/

Overall, WatProtocol’s integration with a popular messaging platform, innovative reward mechanisms, strategic partnerships done by Gamee, and commitment to fair play position it well for substantial growth and success in the GameFi ecosystem.

Key Features:

• Innovative Mining: WatProtocol introduces unique mining mechanics that reward players for their in-game activities.

• User-Friendly Interface: The integration within Telegram ensures that users can easily access and interact with the game without the need for additional downloads.

• Community-Driven: Like Notcoin, WatProtocol leverages Telegram's community features to build a robust user base.

Best Practices

To maximize the success of your blockchain-based game, prioritize a seamless user onboarding experience by leveraging Telegram Web Apps. This approach eliminates the need for traditional app store downloads, allowing users to access your game instantly.

Utilize the native integration with @Wallet for secure asset management, providing features like instant transfers, P2P markets, and easy asset purchases. This not only simplifies the user experience but also enhances security and convenience.

Community building and retention are crucial for sustained engagement. Use Telegram's tools such as channels, groups, and bots to foster a strong community. Push notifications, shareable links, and social sharing mechanics drive user interaction and virality.

Additionally, monetization through NFT and token strategies can be highly effective. Platforms like Getgems facilitate marketplace activities and secondary sales, while in-game tokens provide real-world value, keeping players invested and engaged. By integrating these best practices, you can create a thriving and dynamic GameFi project​​.

Conclusion

Telegram game mini apps on the TON blockchain are revolutionizing the way crypto projects engage with users. By combining the engaging nature of games with the powerful capabilities of blockchain, these mini apps serve as an innovative and effective Trojan Horse, driving the adoption of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology among mainstream users. As the GameFi sector continues to grow, projects like Notcoin and WatProtocol will likely pave the way for more innovative applications, further bridging the gap between gaming and crypto.

At CleevioX, we are watching this trend closely and expect more similar projects to be launched. If you have an idea for such a minigame, get in touch and we will gladly discuss the potential with you.