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Hamster Kombat is fun but ‘tapping’ needs an overhaul
The fundamentals of tap-to-earn games are here to stay, but the gameplay is set to evolve a lot over the next year, according to GeeZee, the head of games at Ethereum layer-2 network Mantle.
“I anticipate that we will likely see a shift toward new, simple mechanics that attempt to capture the core of tap-to-earn games — accessibility — while offering more varied gameplay by the end of 2025,” GeeZee tells Web3 Gamer.
GeeZee predicts a rise in swipe-to-earn and jump-to-earn games, as they offer more “dynamic interactions” while keeping “the low barrier to entry and high accessibility that made tap-to-earn games popular.”
“It’s likely that developers will continue to test, reiterate and release tap-to-earn games over the next 12 months,” he says.
One tap-to-earn game that GeeZee has particularly enjoyed playing this year is the viral clicker game Hamster Kombat, in which gamers step into the role of a hamster CEO managing a virtual cryptocurrency exchange.
“It’s a lighthearted and fun game that’s perfect for relaxation during downtime,” GeeZee says, adding that he doesn’t play it to get rich.
“I don’t expect to earn from the game, and I mostly appreciate it for its entertainment value and the excitement it brings,” he explains.
Even though tap-to-earn games get mocked for their boring “just tap” gameplay, their popularity this year is undeniable. Hamster Kombat attracted 239 million users in its first 81 days, following its release in March.
Meanwhile, the Telegram clicker game Notcoin recorded 20 million users within 26 days of its release in April.
While crypto earning opportunities and hype can play a big part in the success of tap-to-earns, GeeZee insists that the “primary focus of gaming should always be on the entertainment value.”
“I don’t believe it should be positioned as a viable way to make revenue,” he adds.
As for upcoming Web3 game releases, GeeZee is particularly excited about the full release of Family Fren and Digital Fire, but the one that tops his list is the hardcore-action RPG Blade of God X.
“It’s simply visually stunning, and no understatement to say that it’s easily one of the best Souls-like games in the space — Web3 or otherwise. Party Icons taps into my favorite genre with fast-paced, social gameplay,” he says.
Sky Mavis launches Web3 Tamagotchi ‘Axie Pals’
Tamagotchis may have disappeared ages ago, but the firm behind Axie Infinity believes it’s the right time for a comeback. This time, they’re bringing them to the world of Web3.
Nicknamed the “Web3 Tamagotchi,” the AI-powered Google Chrome extension “Axie Pals” lets users care for their Axie NFTs on their screens 24/7.
If you’ve got an NFT Axie, you can have your little pet hanging out on your screen while you’re getting work done, browsing the web, or just chilling with some Netflix.
Sky Mavis co-founder and chief growth officer Jeff Zirlin tells Web3 Gamer that Axie Pals “taps into the nostalgic concept of Tamagotchi” but with a fresh Web3 spin.
“Axie Pals transforms the relationship between player and Axie. It’s not just a one-time interaction anymore,” he explains.
“Axie Pals will be with you during your daily life—whether you’re in meetings, tweeting, or just browsing the web. Your Axie is always by your side, collecting AXP and evolving in real-time,” he says.
The reaction from the Axie community has been relatively positive overall.
Web3 content creator EmpressRaeon stated in a Sept. 26 X post that he bought his Axie Infinity because he looked like his childhood puppy who passed away. “He hangs out with me while I’m on Twitter, and I can feed him and play with him. AxiePals is amazing,” EmpressRaeon wrote.
But some users say it’d be nice if the little virtual creatures had a bit more functionality.
“Axie Pals needs more utility like widgets or customizable quick access buttons,” Web3 gaming commentator HunterTV opined in a Sept. 28 X post, mentioning it’d be helpful to be able to connect his ChatGPT account, Spotify, or even check Ronin’s token prices frequently.
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Zirlin hints that more Axie Pal features are coming. “Expect us to continue experimenting with new product ideas,” he says.
Over the past three months, Axie Infinity has experienced an uptick in activity, with a 53.27% rise in Unique Active Wallets (UAW) interacting with the game, reaching 87,270 wallets, according to data from DappRadar.
Pro gamers clock 80-hour weeks ahead of $100K gaming tournament
Being a full-time Web3 gamer isn’t as laid-back as it seems. Some players are putting in the equivalent hours of two full-time jobs each week in preparation for a major gaming tournament this year, according to Yield Guild Games (YGG) co-founder Gabby Dizon.
“Our professional players in YGG Esports dedicate around 60-80 hours every week,” Dizon tells Web3 Gamer, noting that the level of skill is the only thing that separates the best gamers from the rest.
“Web3 esports discriminates on nothing but skill. It doesn’t care who you are or where you’re from. You just have to be good at the game. You have to be the best.”
The hours are only going to crank up for the world’s top gamers as they get ready for a big November showdown in the Philippines, fighting for a piece of the six-figure prize pool in the competitive sci-fi card game, Parallel.
YGG is partnering with Parallel TCG to bring the YGG Play Summit (YPS) to Manila, Philippines, in a $100,000 prize pool tournament.
Dizon explains that “the Parallel League is to Web3 what Magic Pro Tour and the Hearthstone World Championship are to traditional and Web2 TCGs.”
The competition is only going to get tougher as more and more pro gamers make the switch from Web2.
“Some are suited for esports, and we are seeing elite players from Web2 coming over to make a name for themselves in Web3. But these players are the best of the best, and not everyone can compete at that level,” Dizon says.
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“Web3 guilds will play a big part in this, providing mentorship and other support for these new competitive players,” he adds.
Other News:
— Floki play-to-earn MMORPG Valhalla has partnered with esports organization Alliance as their official Web3 gaming partner. Floki noted that the partnership will introduce Valhalla to Alliance’s 7 million online followers.
— Line Hero has announced its new Web3 game, Rent a Hero Z, which is based on the classic SEGA action RPG “Rent A Hero” released in 1991. The game is set to be released sometime in 2025.
— The global sports brand giant Puma has partnered with Web3 mobile game UNKJD Soccer to leverage Puma-licensed content within the game.
Arbitrum-based layer 3 solution for AAA gaming Xai has announced that multiplayer rogue-lite shooter Riftstorm will be its exclusive flagship title.
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Ciaran Lyons
Ciaran Lyons is an Australian crypto journalist. He’s also a standup comedian and has been a radio and TV presenter on Triple J, SBS and The Project.