A recent analysis commissioned by Elympics, a Web3 gaming protocol, emphasized how Telegram and blockchain technology are reshaping the gaming landscape.
The study, shared with crypto.news and based on insights from nearly 1,000 gamers worldwide, illustrates how platforms like Telegram and the emergence of “compete-to-earn” games are stimulating the growth of Web3 gaming.
The popularity of Telegram as a gaming platform was reflected in the survey, with 53.56% of respondents identifying it as their favored platform for mobile gaming. This underscores Telegram’s increasing impact in the gaming sector and its talent for drawing a substantial, engaged gaming community.
A significant majority of participants, 78.77%, reported gaming on a daily basis, while 15.19% mentioned they play several times a week.
As competitive gaming continues its upward trajectory, the report investigated the influence of blockchain games and their community-focused innovations on the gaming sector.
“Our research indicates that with the entry of social platforms like Telegram into the Web3 realm and the rise of skill-based games featuring community-centered monetary competitions, we are witnessing the dawn of widespread adoption among gamers globally. Gamers thrive on competition, so we create games that cater to this desire.”
Tom Kopera, COO of Elympics
Traditionally, gaming has been centralized, wherein a single company oversees the game’s development, design, and rules. In contrast, blockchain games promote decentralization—granting players more control and the ability to own in-game assets that are less susceptible to manipulation.
“Blockchain decentralizes ownership, transforming players into stakeholders who invest their time and money into their favorite games.”
Stan Fiedor, General Manager Europe of Wemix
This ownership encompasses everything from virtual items and characters to NFTs, which are recorded on a blockchain and can even be exchanged outside of the game environment.
Widespread Adoption of Blockchain Games
A key highlight from the report is how these innovations have the potential to revolutionize mobile gaming. Blockchain-based mobile games enable players to monetize their skills and gameplay, converting a once passive experience into one with financial incentives.
The report indicated that blockchain gaming is on the cusp of mass adoption, with “a growing enthusiasm from gamers keen to engage,” as per Michał Dąbrowski, CEO of Elympics.
However, the report pointed out that Web3 gaming still faces skepticism owing to the shortcomings of earlier iterations. Initial blockchain titles encountered challenges such as subpar design and dysfunctional in-game economies.
The survey revealed that the primary reason for not participating in blockchain games is the uncertainty of how to begin, with 32.11% of respondents stating they “have no idea how to start.”
Today, the industry has learned from past errors, focusing on developing superior games with robust economic structures that promote fair play and genuine ownership of digital assets. Elympics is optimistic that incorporating real-world stakes into gaming could signify the next major evolution in the industry.
TON and Telegram
According to the report, TON (TON) and Telegram have leveraged blockchain technology to enhance engagement and revenue while maintaining user trust. TON has become a go-to platform for hyper-casual games such as Notcoin (NOT) and Hamster Kombat, garnering millions of users.
Telegram’s user-friendly crypto wallet, seamlessly integrated for non-US users, removes entry barriers, facilitating the effortless onboarding of millions of actual users.
Blockchain games on TON are appealing to both casual and competitive gamers, providing an experience that feels as familiar as traditional Web2 games.
The report concluded that platforms like Telegram are integral in bridging the divide between Web2 and Web3, fostering an environment where players may not even realize they are interacting with blockchain technology.