If you look at the current landscape of Telegram, there’s something happening that has been ongoing for a while and is worth analyzing: play-to-earn crypto games have become a massive phenomenon. Since 2024, these projects have attracted tens of millions of users, and the trend remains relevant. Let’s review the main games that defined this era.

First of all, it’s important to understand what these games are. Basically, they are applications on Telegram where users can earn cryptocurrencies by playing through simple mechanics: tapping the screen, completing missions, solving puzzles. Some are based on TON (The Open Network), others on Solana. The core idea is that every action you take within the game generates points or tokens that are eventually distributed as real rewards.

Notcoin was probably the one that made the most noise. Launched in early 2024, it reached over 35 million players. The mechanics were simple but addictive: tap to collect virtual Notcoins, which later converted into real NOT tokens on TON. The token was launched in May 2024 with an initial price of $0.01 and reached a market cap of $1.1 billion. Currently, NOT trades around $0.00 with daily changes of -5.10%. After launch, Notcoin expanded its ecosystem with collaborations like Lost Dogs, introducing more complex narratives and missions.

Hamster Kombat is another that grew exponentially. It surpassed 300 million players since its launch in 2024, allowing users to manage virtual exchanges run by hamsters and earn HMSTR tokens. The current token price is $0.00 with a 24-hour variation of -4.40%. Developers have indicated plans to expand the ecosystem beyond simple click mechanics.

Catizen took a different approach: instead of just tapping, players breed and fuse virtual cats to earn vKITTY, which can be converted into CATI tokens. With over 34 million players, it positioned Telegram as an entry point to Web3 for mass users. The CATI token is currently trading at $0.05. What’s interesting here is that Catizen presented itself as a mini-hub of apps combining features of Launchpool, short videos, and e-commerce.

Moonbix is the bot linked to a major exchange platform. It offers the opportunity to earn cryptocurrencies by completing simple tasks and participating in airdrop campaigns. Users can receive free tokens based on their holdings at a specific moment (snapshot). It’s a way for loyal users to access new tokens at no additional cost, as long as they hold the necessary assets at the time of snapshot.

X Empire, formerly called Musk Empire, is more recent in popularity. Launched in July 2024, it reached 35 million users, allowing players to build virtual empires while earning cryptocurrencies. The X token was scheduled for distribution in Q4 2024. The game introduced NFT coupons for early access to the token, with some selling at significant prices on markets like Getgems.

Rocky Rabbit reached 30 million players with a concept of training virtual rabbits for battles and missions, earning RabBitcoin (RBTC) as rewards. The RBTC token is currently at $0.00. The airdrop was distributed in early September 2024 based on performance points, with top players receiving larger allocations.

Major is another rapidly growing game that reached 30 million active users. Its mechanics combine daily puzzles with a leaderboard system that can be converted into MAJOR tokens. A unique element is the Durov Puzzle, where you must find correct sequences in avatars to earn more points. The MAJOR token is currently trading at $0.06. Analysts expected a launch between $0.001 and $0.005, with the system designed to motivate players through token holdings rather than just points.

2024 was definitely the year these play-to-earn crypto games solidified as a trend. Each offers different mechanics and earning potentials. Some focused on pure simplicity, others on narrative and world-building, and others on strategy.

But here’s the important part: these games carry real risks. The volatility of the crypto market is inherent, there are potential security vulnerabilities, and not all projects reach their promises. Before investing time or money, thorough research is mandatory. Protect your assets, understand the risks of the blockchain space, and don’t blindly trust promises of gains. The ecosystem evolves rapidly, and what seems solid today can change tomorrow.