Hamster Kombat, a quirky Telegram-based game, is making waves in the tech world by claiming to be the third-fastest app in history to reach 150 million users. Achieving this milestone puts Hamster Kombat in an exclusive club of highly successful platforms, marking one of the most intriguing stories of 2024.

The Journey to 150 Million Users

In 2016, Pokémon GO took 33 days to reach 150 million users. This record stood until 2023, when Threads, Instagram’s rival to X, hit the same mark in just six days. Now, Hamster Kombat claims to have reached this milestone rapidly, making it the third-fastest app to do so.

Sébastien Borget, co-founder of The Sandbox metaverse, attributes this rapid growth to the innovative nature of Telegram-based games. He believes games like Hamster Kombat are revolutionizing the play-to-earn model, leveraging the network effect of Web3. Borget emphasized the industry's rapid pace, saying, "This is exciting and powerful. It shows how things move in this industry with the network effect of Web3. In weeks or months, they grow to unbelievable scales."

A Unique Gaming Experience

Hamster Kombat sets itself apart by branding itself as a “crypto exchange CEO simulator” rather than a typical clicker or tapper game. Players start as bald hamsters who have just signed on as the CEO of a cryptocurrency exchange. The game involves earning virtual coins through clicking and strategic management, allowing players to upgrade their exchanges and earn points passively.

The game's social mechanics and integration with YouTube and other social media platforms have contributed to its viral growth. Hamster Kombat's YouTube page has gained substantial traction, reportedly outpacing the subscription numbers of Mr Beast, YouTube’s most subscribed channel. The team has applied for a Guinness World Record for gaining over 10 million subscribers in just six days, 13 hours, and 15 minutes.

Revenue and Popularity

Hamster Kombat’s YouTube channel has amassed 473,709,858 views, earning $5.2 million in ad revenue between May 24 and June 26. The channel's daily views have averaged 21 million over the past two weeks, equating to $230,000 in daily ad revenue. This financial success underscores the game's widespread appeal and engagement.

More Than Just a Game

Hamster Kombat's approach involves daily missions, social engagement, and unique in-game mechanics like daily combo challenges and ciphers. These features reward players with millions of points and foster a robust community. The game encourages users to engage with its social media channels and complete tasks to earn in-game rewards, further driving its viral growth.

The Impact on the Cryptocurrency Sector

Hamster Kombat’s success is reminiscent of Notcoin, another viral Telegram mini-app with over 35 million players. Notcoin's token airdrop significantly boosted its popularity, and Hamster Kombat aims to replicate this success with its own token launch on the TON blockchain. Players are eagerly awaiting an airdrop, speculating that it could be as lucrative as Notcoin’s.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its success, Hamster Kombat faces challenges such as the presence of bots and the potential for account trading. The game’s energy meter limits the advantage of auto-clicking bots, but online tutorials and resources still exist to exploit these mechanics.

Inal Kardan, head of gaming at TON Foundation, acknowledges the difficulty in determining the exact number of bots. However, he highlights that even with bots, the game has attracted millions of verified, active users. This success positions the TON blockchain as a leading platform for hyper-casual games.

Hamster Kombat’s rapid ascent to 150 million users is a testament to the power of innovative gameplay and effective use of social media. As it continues to grow and potentially break records, Hamster Kombat not only entertains but also educates new users about Web3 and cryptocurrency, making a significant impact on the gaming and blockchain sectors.