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Hamster Kombat is fun, but the ‘tapping’ needs an overhaul.
According to GeeZee, head of gaming at Ethereum layer 2 network Mantle, the basics of the tap-to-win game will remain the same, but the gameplay will evolve a lot in the coming year.
“By the end of 2025, we expect to see a shift to new, simpler mechanisms that seek to capture the accessibility that is at the core of tap-to-earn games while providing more variety in gameplay,” GeeZee told Web3 Gamer.
GeeZee predicts an increase in swipe-to-earn and jump-to-earn games because they offer more “dynamic interactions” while maintaining “the low barriers to entry and high accessibility that have made tap-to-earn games popular.”
“Developers will likely continue to test, iterate and release tap-to-money games over the next 12 months,” he says.
One of the tap-to-earn games that GeeZee has particularly enjoyed playing this year is Hamster Kombat, a viral clicker game where gamers take on the role of a hamster CEO managing a virtual cryptocurrency exchange.
“This is a light and fun game that’s perfect for relaxing during recess,” GeeZee said, adding that he’s not playing this game to get rich.
“I don’t expect to make any money from the game. They primarily appreciate the entertainment value and fun of the game,” he explains.
Although tap-to-profit games are often ridiculed for their boring “just tap” gameplay, their popularity this year is undeniable. Hamster Kombat attracted 239 million users in the first 81 days since its launch last March.
Meanwhile, the Telegram clicker game Notcoin recorded 20 million users within 26 days of its launch in April.
While cryptocurrency earning opportunities and hype can play a big role in the success of a tap to monetize game, GeeZee insists that “the primary focus of the game should always be on its entertainment value.”
“I don’t think this should be established as a viable way to generate revenue,” he added.
As for future Web3 game releases, GeeZee is especially excited about the full releases of Family Fren and Digital Fire, but the game that tops his list is the hardcore action RPG Blade of God X.
“It is simply visually stunning. It’s no exaggeration to say that it’s one of the best Souls-like games on Web3 or otherwise. Party Icons taps into my favorite genre with fast-paced social gameplay,” he says.
Skymavis launches Web3 Tamagotchi ‘Axipals’
Tamagotchi may be long gone, but the company behind Axie Infinity believes now is the right time to bring it back. This time we brought it to the world of Web3.
“Axie Pals,” an AI-powered Google Chrome extension nicknamed “Web3 Tamagotchi,” allows users to manage their Axie NFTs on their screen 24/7.
With the NFT Axie, you can have your little pet play on your screen while you complete tasks, browse the web, or watch Netflix.
Sky Mavis co-founder and chief growth officer Jeff Zirlin told Web3 Gamer that Axie Pals “leverages the nostalgic concept of the Tamagotchi” but puts a new Web3 spin on it.
“Axie Pals transforms the relationship between players and Axie. It’s no longer a one-time interaction,” he explains.
“Axie Pals will be a part of your everyday life, whether you’re attending a meeting, tweeting, or browsing the web. “Axie is always by your side, collecting AXP and evolving in real time,” he says.
The response from the Axie community has been relatively positive overall.
Web3 content creator EmpressRaeon said in an X post on September 26 that she bought Axie Infinity because she resembled her childhood dog who passed away. “He hangs out with me while I’m on Twitter, and I can feed him and hang out with him. AxiePals is amazing,” EmpressRaeon wrote.
However, some users say it would be nice if the little virtual creature had a bit more features.
“Axie Pals needs more utilities, like widgets or customizable quick access buttons,” Web3 gaming critic HunterTV wrote in a September 28 It was mentioned that this would be. Prices are often high.
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Zirlin hints that more Axie Pal features are coming. “I expect we will continue to experiment with new product ideas,” he says.
According to data from DappRadar, over the past three months, Axie Infinity has seen an increase in activity, with unique active wallets (UAW) interacting with the game growing by 53.27%, reaching 87,270 wallets.
Pro gamers log 80 hours weeks ahead of $100,000 gaming tournament
Being a full-time Web3 gamer isn’t as relaxing as it seems. Some players are putting in the equivalent of two full-time hours each week to prepare for this year’s major gaming tournaments, according to YGG (Yield Guild Games) co-founder Gabby Dizon.
“Professional players at YGG Esports dedicate about 60 to 80 hours a week,” Dizon tells Web3 Gamer, noting that skill level is the only thing that separates the best gamers from the rest.
“Web3 esports only discriminates on skill level. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. All you have to do is play the game well. You have to be the best.”
Time will speed up as the world’s best gamers prepare for an epic showdown in the Philippines in November as they battle it out for six-figure prizes in competitive sci-fi card game Parallel.
YGG has partnered with Parallel TCG to host the YGG Play Summit (YPS), a $100,000 prize pool tournament in Manila, Philippines.
“It’s like the Magic Pro Tour and Hearthstone World Championship are to Web3 what parallel leagues are to the traditional and Web2 TCGs,” Dizon explains.
As more and more professional gamers switch from Web2, the competition will only get more intense.
“Some of them are suited to esports and we are seeing elite players from Web2 coming to make a name for themselves in Web3. But these athletes are the best of the best and not everyone can compete at that level,” says Dizon.
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“The Web3 Guild will play a big role in providing mentorship and other support to these new competitors,” he added.
Other news:
— Floki Play-to-earn MMORPG Valhalla has partnered with esports organization Alliance as an official Web3 gaming partner. Floki said the partnership will introduce Valhalla to the Alliance’s 7 million online followers.
— Line Hero announces Rent a Hero Z, a new Web3 game based on the classic SEGA action RPG “Rent A Hero” released in 1991. The game is scheduled to be released in 2025.
— Giant global sports brand Puma has partnered with Web3 mobile game UNKJD Soccer to utilize Puma licensed content within the game.
Xai, the Arbitrum-based layer 3 solution for AAA gaming, has announced that multiplayer roguelite shooter Riftstorm will become its exclusive flagship title.
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Ciaran Lyon
Ciaran Lyons is an Australian cryptocurrency journalist. He is also a stand-up comedian and radio and TV presenter for Triple J, SBS and The Project.