Tap-to-Earn Games Are Realizing Satoshi’s Dream

Tap-to-earn games in the context of Web3 have sparked an unprecedented surge in user engagement, akin to the Cambrian Explosion, and Hamster Kombat is just the start. In numerous instances, these games are introducing a degree of economic freedom that was unavailable earlier.

Consider, for instance, the statements emerging from Iran, where the government alleges that Hamster Kombat is a “soft weapon” used by the Western powers in their conflict against their theocratic regime. This supposedly diverts voters’ attention away from voting during a recent election. However, the creators have refuted any links to the West. Nevertheless, it seems there might be a more powerful factor influencing this situation.

A glimmer of hope

Currently, Iran’s economy is struggling significantly on a global scale, with few job opportunities available for its residents and escalating prices due to harsh sanctions related to their nuclear program. These sanctions have driven the country towards cryptocurrencies at a higher rate than most other nations. Iranians frequently appear among the highest users of Tonkeeper and various other non-custodial wallets, as they seek innovative and alternative methods for managing money and safeguarding the worth of their earnings.

It’s even more astonishing how quickly the nation has embraced Hamster Kombat. To illustrate, consider this Associated Press account of a typical afternoon in Tehran, the capital of Iran.

In the sweltering heat of early June, taxi drivers and motorcyclists in Tehran frequently use their mobile phones while stopped at traffic lights. Many passersby in the city also engage in this behavior. They all share a common belief that they can become wealthy.

For these individuals, their wealth appears modest compared to Western standards, given that the value of their currency, the rial, has decreased significantly from 32,000 rials to one USD in 2015 to approximately 42,000 rials per dollar currently. Simultaneously, the price of meat has risen by about 70% over the past year, and the cost of a taxi ride through rideshare services has nearly doubled, as reported by the Associated Press.

It’s not surprising that Iranians would grasp any chance to generate income, and they’re certainly not alone in this. Many others have taken advantage of mini-apps offering substantial benefits.

Kids and their games

Video games have been a part of childhood experiences for generations, and mine was no exception. Growing up, I enjoyed playing them just as much as many of my peers do today. Chances are, the same goes for you or others from your era. Here’s where it gets intriguing…

In my interactions with peers, associates, and attendees at conferences, I’ve consistently heard enthusiasm about Hamster Kombat from their children. Remarkably, some of these youngsters are as young as 11 and 12 years old, and they seem to be engrossed in the game without interruption.

These children, much like numerous individuals from Iran, are vigorously playing games using various techniques, which may even involve a massage wand to enhance their experience. However, it’s unlikely they are aware that cryptocurrency forms the basis for the rewards and, eventually, these airdrops. What they do comprehend, though, is that top-ranking players will reap substantial benefits that would otherwise be unattainable – regardless of whether they reside in Iran, Iowa, or any other part of the globe.

Indeed, the alluring rewards are probably the primary factor that attracted more than 300 million players to Hamster Kombat, as well as numerous other tap-to-earn games that emerge every week. However, this isn’t the core focus. To grasp the situation, consider how video games overtook board games during the 1980s, offering a similar perspective on today’s trend.

For the very first time, approximately 300 million individuals are engaging with a Web3 platform, which is powered by cryptocurrency and accessible across all age groups, cultures, and geographical locations. As younger generations grow more accustomed to using crypto, it’s just a matter of time before these platforms start outpacing the current leaders in the market.

Disclaimer: The opinions stated within this article belong to the writer and may not align with those held by CoinDesk Inc., its stakeholders, or associates.