TLDR
- Hamster Kombat, a trendy game where players can earn as they play, boasts over 250 million users worldwide on Telegram.
- Russian official Anatoly Aksakov protests against the game as a 'scam,' advocating for its halt in Russia.
- The game implements the TON blockchain, with intentions to transition in-game coins to HMSTR tokens.
- With a mission to educate about finance, Hamster Kombat's creators have their sights set on attaining 1 billion users.
- Sales of muscle massage guns, used for tapping screens, have surged thanks to the game.
Hamster Kombat, Within a short span since its 2024 launch on Telegram, this earn-as-you-play game has captivated blockchain game aficionados and critics alike.
Hamster Kombat immerses players in the role of a hamster CEO orchestrating a virtual cryptocurrency exchange.
A straightforward tap mechanic in the game rewards players with virtual coins for tapping their digital hamster, completing daily challenges, and enjoying special occasions. These coins help upgrade the virtual exchange, enhancing earning prospects.
Operating on The Open Network (TON) blockchain, the strategic plan is to enable conversion of in-game coins to HMSTR tokens, a forthcoming cryptocurrency expected to debut in the third quarter of 2024. This blend of real-world value has boosted the game's attraction. by Telegram Nevertheless, not everyone cheers for Hamster Kombat's triumph. Anatoly Aksakov, who presides over the Russian State Duma Committee on the Financial Market, views the game as a 'scam.'
He calls outright for its cessation in Russia, arguing that the game preys on the psychology of individuals, convincing them they can amass wealth with scarce exertion. \"This kind of thing must be put to an end,\" Aksakov warned in a domestic media interview. \"In my viewpoint, it unquestionably constitutes a scam. Manipulation and exploitation of citizen psychology is at play. Especially among those reluctant to work yet dream of striking it rich with minimal effort.”
Yet amidst the critique, Hamster Kombat's allure remains untarnished. The game induced unexpected consumer behavior, evidenced by Russian retailers reporting an almost tripling in muscle massage gun sales between May and June, as players utilize these gadgets for more efficient screen tapping.
The discreet masterminds behind Hamster Kombat harbor grand ambitions for the initiative, publicly voicing their objective of attracting a billion users globally. Dubbed an 'edutainment project' by the team, Hamster Kombat is being touted for mass acceptance, specifically by disseminating knowledge on blockchain and Web3 concepts.
The team declared, \"Our aspiration is to be an edutainment endeavor designed for mass draw. We aim for a worldwide reach of a billion users who’ll dive into this adventure and assimilate extensive knowledge about blockchain and web3 ecosystems.\"
They also underscore a strong dedication to advancing financial literacy and a universal basic income.
There's dedication to prolonging the game's lifespan, with another airdrop anticipated over the forthcoming two years. The founders stress their commitment to upholding the project’s credibility
while taking cues from similar ventures like Notcoin. by removing bot accounts, Hamster Kombat enjoys fame beyond Russia, extending into
regions like Iran. However, its rapid ascent and possible influence have stirred skepticism. In Iran, it's perceived as a 'soft war' tool, bringing to light broader geopolitical dimensions. adoption in countries like Nigeria As Hamster Kombat marches forward, it navigates through opportunities laden with challenges. While the creators target user education on blockchain and financial facets, critics voice concerns over its potential pitfalls of manipulation and addiction. The game's thriving future might hinge on reconciling these worries with its lofty educational and expansion intentions within the crypto arena.
As Editor-in-Chief at Blockonomi and founder of Kooc Media, a UK-based online media enterprise, he champions Open-Source Software, Blockchain Technology, and an unrestricted internet accessible to all.
