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Many Telegram-based games have shot to popularity this year with the promise of in-game progression resulting in a share of a future crypto token airdrop. For some of those games, the time to launch a token is upon us, with dates set and gamers itching for their share of the pie.
From crypto exchange-building tap-to-earn game Hamster Kombat to combat-centric clicker Rocky Rabbit and others alongside, these Telegram mini apps have made waves through the industry. But now it's time for these projects’ respective tokens to start a new wave.
Will these games stay relevant after their tokens launch? Some may reinvent themselves as Notcoin did after the largest gaming token launch of the year, while others may well fade into obscurity. But for now, these are the most-hyped Telegram gaming token launches on the horizon, listed in date order.
Rocky Rabbit
Date: September 23, 2024
Rocky Rabbit has attracted over 25 million players that are clicking their screens, collecting coins so they can train up their furry fighter. The game has yet to detail how the token will be allocated to players based on their gameplay, though an “Airdrop” menu in the game mentions that players can “Earn by fighting in battle.” That feature isn’t live yet.
But the airdrop is fast approaching: On September 23, the project will launch its RabBitcoin (RBTC) token on The Open Network (TON), with a tweet noting that it will be “listed on major exchanges.” That’s likely the date that the token will be airdropped to players, as well, but that detail has not yet been confirmed.
Hamster Kombat
Date: September 26, 2024
Hamster Kombat sees players furiously tapping their screens as they attempt to build their own crypto exchange empire… as a fuzzy rodent. The game has been a raging success, garnering over 300 million players and the largest Telegram channel in the world.
With this, fans are excited for the launch and airdrop of its HMSTR token taking place on September 26. This comes after the token launch was delayed in July as the team required additional preparation time. The token will be launched on TON, the same blockchain that Notcoin’s successful launch took place on.
The game's team has shared details on the factors that will play into each player's airdrop allocation, including how much passive in-game income you've generated, how many other players you've invited into the game, and more. Click here for more details on the airdrop and allocation factors.
X Empire
Date: September/October 2024
X Empire, formerly known as Musk Empire, announced that its mining phase will end on September 30. The end of its mining phase will be one of the final major steps before the airdrop, echoing a similar move from Notcoin, meaning that the token can’t be too far away.
The Elon Musk-themed Telegram crypto game has been teasing a token airdrop for the end of September or early October. Recently the project said it had started burning the in-game coins of players that hadn’t played for 30 days or more, to ensure that dedicated players get a larger share—and surely to motivate any lapsed players, too.
MemeFi
Date: October 9, 2024
MemeFi is a tap-to-earn combat game that finds players beating up giant bosses inspired by the likes of Pepe and the Doge. Unlike the other games on this list, MemeFi is being built on Ethereum scaling network Linea rather than TON.
The airdrop will take place on October 9, which is when the development team says the MEMEFI token will be listed on “several top tier” exchanges. How players' token allocations will be determined has not been decided yet, but a “public airdrop checker” will be available prior to the event.
TapSwap
Date: Q3 2024
TapSwap is yet another clicker game that racked up tens of millions of players in recent months. In a recent move, the game added a new city builder mode called Tappy Town that lets you upgrade and enhance numerous buildings to unlock additional rewards.
The project’s token launch and airdrop on TON have been confirmed, with the team eyeing up a Q3 rollout as it shapes the tokenomics and has conversations with “tier 1 exchanges.”
Catizen
Date: TBD
When is the Catizen airdrop? We’re not entirely sure yet. Catizen developer Pluto Studio originally planned to launch the CATI token in July, but then delayed it due to challenges around coordinating the launch and cultivating a sustainable gaming ecosystem.
With the recent rush of games setting launch dates in September, however, Catizen has been teasing some kind of big event or announcement on the horizon for September 21—though based on the replies, some players are clearly fed up with the delays and vague messaging. In any case, we should hear more about the cat-themed game’s plans soon.
Edited by Andrew Hayward