Telegram has evolved from a messaging platform into a central hub for crypto gaming, enabling users to interact with blockchain-based games and applications directly within the app. Games have become a prominent feature of this ecosystem, offering interactive experiences alongside token rewards, NFTs, and community participation.
Unlike traditional mobile games, Telegram games typically require no separate download and often incorporate Web3 elements such as in-game tokens and blockchain assets. This accessibility, combined with social interaction features, has created a distinct gaming category ranging from simple tap-to-earn experiences to more complex titles involving strategy and multiplayer competition.
Major Telegram Games
DOGS launched in mid-2024 with a virtual-pet theme, attracting around 10 million players who raise and breed digital dogs while earning DOGE rewards through daily tasks and breeding competitions.
Catizen, launched in 2023 by Pluto Studio Limited, allows players to raise, breed, and trade digital cats. The game has attracted approximately 15 million players and uses the CATZ token for in-game purchases and trading. Its token airdrop was initially expected to allocate 43% of total supply but was later reduced to 30%, with 15% distributed in the initial phase.
Blum began in 2024 as a tap-to-earn game but has since transitioned to a Trade-to-Earn model. More than 1.3 million users participated in its airdrop campaign, with previous campaigns distributing over $7 million. The project has shifted focus toward building an on-chain trading platform.
Notcoin, developed by Open Builders and the development arm of TON, attracted 35 million players with a tapping mechanic. Following its token generation event in May 2024, players could convert in-game Notcoins to NOT tokens. The game has evolved from its original tap-to-earn format into a broader ecosystem.
Yescoin launched in 2024 with a swiping mechanic rather than tapping, attracting around 50 million players. Players swipe across coins to build their YesCoin balance, which converts to YES tokens on the TON blockchain. The game includes an idle element through YesPac and connections with other Telegram games like Catizen and PixelTap.
BabyDoge originated in 2021 as a memecoin inspired by Dogecoin but has expanded into a broader ecosystem on BNB Chain. The project includes BabyDogeSwap for token swaps, NFT minting, and an AI meme generator. More than 1.9 million players have engaged with the project. BabyDoge donated over 81,000 pounds of dog food in 24 hours in one campaign, setting a Guinness World Record. Its original token supply of 420 quadrillion has been more than half burned.
Hamster Kombat, launched in 2024 by an anonymous team, became one of Telegram's largest games with over 300 million players. Users manage a hamster-run crypto exchange, completing missions and earning HMSTR tokens. The HMSTR token launched on TON on September 26, 2024.
Bombie, launched in early 2024, places players in a post-apocalyptic setting where they defend against zombie attacks and earn $Bombie. The game has attracted around 5 million players and includes weekly competitions and boss battles with larger rewards.
Pixel Tap, launched in late 2023, lets players create pixel art by tapping screens and earning PIX tokens. Around 8 million players have engaged with the game, which combines tap mechanics with digital artwork creation.
TapSwap expanded beyond its original tapping format to include different game modes and blockchain features, maintaining an active Telegram player base while moving past simple tap-to-earn mechanics.
MemeFi, launched in 2024, offers a collection of mini-games including tap-to-earn activities, spin-to-win games, referrals, and giveaways. The platform supports over 25 million TON wallets and 15 million EVM wallets, with 2.5 million paying users on-chain.
X Empire, launched in early 2024 as Musk Empire and later rebranded, has attracted over 40 million players. Users build and manage empires by completing daily tasks, developing skills, and earning XEMP rewards. The game has developed a Web3 community with over 9.4 million active users and 5 million connected wallets.
Evolution of Telegram Gaming
Telegram games have progressed beyond simple tap-to-earn mechanics to include strategy, collecting, breeding, trading, and competitive events. While tapping remains part of many titles, the focus has shifted toward providing reasons for continued engagement beyond token earning. The tap-to-earn format continues to serve as an entry point for players with little gaming or crypto experience.
