A Million on a Hamster: Myth or Reality?

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has expressed support for the clicker game Hamster Kombat and announced the upcoming release of its project token on the TON blockchain. This article will delve into various aspects of Hamster Kombat, including its gameplay mechanics, influence on the cryptocurrency market, and potential risks. We'll explore what draws users to the game and the challenges awaiting those seeking to "catch" their fortune with the hamster.

The game is rapidly gaining traction, becoming an internet phenomenon by reaching 100 million users within a few months. According to Durov, the project attracts 4-5 million new users daily, making it the fastest-growing platform globally.

What is Hamster Kombat?

Hamster Kombat is a clicker game on Telegram where players earn virtual coins by tapping on an image of a hamster. Available exclusively on the mobile version of the app, it targets a wide audience, particularly school-aged children and novice crypto enthusiasts. The game gamifies the entire experience within Telegram and does not require financial contributions—players only invest their time.

Players assume the role of CEOs of cryptocurrency exchanges, aiming to lead their platforms to success. Gameplay centers on tapping the hamster and upgrading cards. Players can use in-game bonuses to enhance their exchanges by purchasing resources such as CoinTelegraph or CoinDesk or improving security through KYC and AML. Notably, the game introduces beginners to cryptocurrency concepts like staking, DeFi 2.0, GameFi, DAO, and margin trading.

Hamster Kombat's Impact on the Crypto Market

Market trends often bring about innovations that entrepreneurs capitalize on. Following the NFT craze and meme tokens, Hamster Kombat has garnered significant attention despite the absence of a definitive token release date on TON or a white paper. For the project to be listed on major exchanges, it must undergo thorough legal reviews. Developers seem poised to time the token's listing strategically to maximize value during peak popularity.

In the meantime, the game continues to draw a large audience, likely boosting the token's future value. The developers plan an airdrop based on the effectiveness of in-game exchanges rather than users’ currency balances. However, they make no guarantees of income for participants. While the project thrives in the wake of Notcoin's popularity, it faces challenges, such as bot farms reducing profits for individual players. Nevertheless, the creators are expected to generate significant profits.

Similarities to Bubbles and Network Marketing

Hamster Kombat includes a Friends tab, allowing users to invite others via referral links. The clicker game’s mechanics bear similarities to a Ponzi scheme, benefiting early adopters at the expense of later participants. This raises concerns about the lack of real value provided by the game. Experts compare this trend to past cryptocurrency bubbles, noting the sharp increases in the value of in-game tokens.

The game’s creators remain anonymous, but Telegram is considered a likely beneficiary. Users earn in-game currency for actions like subscribing to channels, inflating subscriber numbers and increasing advertising revenue.

Threats and Scams

Despite its popularity, Hamster Kombat is not without risks. Two fraudulent schemes targeting players have been uncovered on Telegram. Scammers exploit users through phishing, promising increased referrals for money and then disappearing.

Additionally, Telegram's access to users’ device data—including contacts, photos, voice recordings, and locations—raises privacy concerns. Developers may exploit this information as users engage with the game in hopes of earning rewards.

International Reactions

Hamster Kombat has sparked mixed reactions worldwide. In Uzbekistan, authorities have threatened players with arrests and fines. In Iran, the game has drawn criticism for undermining cultural values of work and entrepreneurship. Local experts suggest that economic hardships push individuals toward the unrealistic hope of wealth through tokens. While Hamster Kombat offers an entertaining experience, participants should remain mindful of associated risks and approach such projects with caution.