Table of Contents
The Shift in Notcoin: Reviving Telegram Gaming with Gameplay-Focused Strategies
Notcoin initially captured immense attention with its tap-to-earn model, drawing in millions of Telegram users through its click-based game. However, the excitement quickly waned due to the emergence of numerous copycat clones, a lack of engaging gameplay, and user dissatisfaction with inadequate airdrops.
Looking to the future, the founders of Notcoin are repositioning their approach, now prioritising gameplay over speculation as the cornerstone of the next generation of Telegram gaming. During a recent appearance at the Token2049 conference in Dubai, co-founder Sasha Plotvinov expressed that the gaming genre failed to mature past its initial excitement, leading to its downfall.
Reasons Behind the Decline of Telegram Games
The surge in tap-to-earn clones did not resonate with sustained demand, according to Plotvinov. The market became saturated, causing the genre’s collapse. Users were met with shallow gameplay elements: tap a screen, accumulate points, and await tokens. Promised airdrops often fell short of expectations, sparking controversies and driving player interest down. A notable example is Hamster Kombat, whose player base dwindled by over 86% following a questionable airdrop in November.
In response to these challenges, the Notcoin team is launching their revamped Not Games platform, which aims to create genuine, enjoyable gaming experiences. The plan is to draw inspiration from beloved classic games that were popular not for profit but for the fun they provided.
Plotvinov stated, "We are looking at games from 10, 15, or even 20 years ago for inspiration. Our goal is to replicate the engaging mechanics of those games in a contemporary setting, whilst incorporating a second layer of cryptocurrency economy."
The New Gaming Platform: Building on The Open Network
Notcoin’s renewed focus will leverage The Open Network (TON), centring on the creation of a marketplace for tradable in-game cosmetics. Offering a functioning marketplace is paramount, as Plotvinov underscored the importance of steering clear of "pay-to-win" dynamics that have plagued other gaming environments.
The Appeal of Telegram as a Gaming Platform
Telegram’s low-friction setup is a key determinant for launching Not Games on this platform. Vladimir Plotvinov highlighted the simplicity of access: players do not need to download an app or register anew, as they can instantly engage with games via the web app.
With Telegram recently surpassing 1 billion active users, the potential for success in Telegram gaming seems promising. As Plotvinov pointed out, “From that perspective, there’s no reason to believe that Telegram gaming will not thrive.”
Summary
In summary, Notcoin is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from its initial tap-to-earn model plagued by oversaturation and user dissatisfaction. By focusing on authentic gameplay akin to classic titles and integrating a sustainable economy centred on tradable in-game cosmetics within the Telegram ecosystem, Notcoin aims to revive the excitement around Telegram games. As the team believes in the platform’s capabilities, the next chapter in Telegram gaming could very well redefine user engagement and enjoyment in this rapidly evolving landscape.
