The partnership between Telegram and The Open Network (TON) has shaken the blockchain space when, in the fall of last year, Telegram integrated a cryptocurrency wallet directly into its messaging app. This integration granted millions of users access to decentralized digital assets, allowing them to explore cryptocurrencies seamlessly within a familiar platform.
With this deepening collaboration, network activity surged, fueled in part by blockchain-based games that brought together gamers, Telegram users, and crypto entrepreneurs. These games have quickly gained popularity, attracting the attention of a much broader audience. In this article, we explore why these games have resonated with the community and how long they are likely to hold the audience's interest.
The Rise of Social Gaming in Telegram
The rapid growth of blockchain games within Telegram stems from the audience's passion for social gaming. Unlike traditional gaming platforms, social gaming projects are hosted in environments designed for communication. Players can broadcast their achievements, invite friends through referral links, and earn rewards by playing together.
As a forward-thinking platform, Telegram embraced the cryptocurrency trend, launching several mini-apps in late 2023 that were well-received by users. The integration with Web3 allowed the platform to support token transactions within the TON network and use NFTs for usernames, gradually introducing its audience to the world of decentralized finance.
How Has the Integration of TON Impacted Telegram?
The integration of social gaming with Telegram introduced cryptocurrencies to a massive audience. Many internet users who had previously distanced themselves from digital assets now found themselves engaging with crypto due to its presence in the app they use daily.
As more people become familiar with cryptocurrencies, misconceptions are dispelled, and trust in the blockchain industry grows. Studies show that when users are introduced to new concepts through gaming, the adoption process is smoother and more enjoyable.
Telegram’s user base has seen significant growth, reaching 950 million monthly active users (MAU) by July 2024, up from 800 million the previous year. This rise might have happened due to the introduction of the TON ecosystem and Web3 features, alongside other factors like monetizing large channels.
What Changes Have Occurred in TON?
The partnership has been equally beneficial for TON. For example, in January 2024, when the Notcoin token was launched, the network processed around 24 million transactions. By July 2024, this number had surged to 157 million, marking a sixfold increase. The number of registered accounts also grew from 1.3 million in January 2024 to 11 million by May of the same year.
In September 2023, TON’s team announced plans to onboard 30% of the global population to Web3 by 2028 – an estimated 500 million users. Given the platform's continuous expansion, analysts believe this goal is achievable.
Blockchain Integration in Telegram: What You Need to Know
While Telegram has made strides in adopting blockchain, it has not fully transformed into a decentralized application. The games introduced on the platform do interact with Web3 tools, but the app itself remains a social messaging platform rather than a blockchain service.
For example, until May 2024, Notcoin functioned solely as an in-game currency before being converted into a digital asset. Telegram users can earn rewards in tokens through games, but to fully utilize them, they need to register a crypto wallet on a third-party exchange. Despite the wallet integration within the app, many users still prefer more established services to manage their assets.
The Challenges of Retaining User Interest in Social Gaming
One key challenge for Telegram is how to sustain user engagement as the novelty of social gaming wears off. While the initial surge in users was driven by the simplicity and instant rewards offered by these games, keeping users active six months or a year later will be a real test.
Experts are hesitant to predict the long-term future of social gaming, as the segment is still relatively new. While a drop in users is inevitable, it remains to be seen how significant that decline will be.
Conclusion
Overall, the collaboration between Telegram and TON has had a positive impact on the blockchain industry, helping to popularize cryptocurrencies among a wider audience. Telegram, known for its technological innovation, has provided its users with a new space to explore decentralized finance, contributing to the broader adoption of blockchain technologies.
If you want to learn more interesting facts about crypto then check out our blog! You might like our articles “The Digital Paw Print” and “Smart cities of the future: how can crypto help?”.
