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…
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