Telegram's User Milestone

Telegram has hit a new milestone. According to the platform's founder, Pavel Durov, the app's active user base reached 950 million as of July 22. This achievement marks a significant increase from the 900 million users reported in the spring.

Durov expressed his anticipation of reaching the one billion mark soon. 'Telegram reached 950 million monthly active users -- up from 900 million in the spring. On track for one billion,' Durov wrote.

Crypto Gaming's Role

The surge in active users can be attributed to the rising trend of crypto gaming and the integration of The Open Network (TON). Notcoin (NOT), a gaming token on TON, has driven this trend by introducing Telegram mini-applications incorporating blockchain technology in January.

Notcoin quickly gained a global community of over 40 million users. Its capabilities were bolstered with listings for its token. The NOT airdrop in June was one of the year's biggest gaming token launches.

Hamster Kombat's Rapid Growth

Before the hype around Notcoin subsided, another tap-to-earn game, Hamster Kombat (HMSTR), launched on TON. Durov described it as the fastest-growing digital service. Integrating Notcoin and Hamster Kombat with The Open Network allows any of Telegram's 950 million users to access crypto gaming without leaving the app.

Hamster Kombat's team claims it is the leading Telegram-based project in the second half of 2024, boasting at least 250 million players.

Durov noted the game's astounding growth: 'It took Hamster only 73 days to reach 100 million monthly users. Each day, four to five million new users join Hamster Kombat, making it the fastest-growing digital service in the world.'

Market and Regulatory Landscape

More exchanges are launching pre-market trading for Notcoin's NOT token and Hamster Kombat's HMSTR token. This, coupled with in-game rewards, fuels investor interest in crypto gaming and could attract more capital to the space.

However, Hamster Kombat's rise has not been without obstacles. In June, the Uzbekistan National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP) stated that HMSTR is not a crypto asset and that in-game coins are not blockchain-based.

The regulator warned that players who withdraw in-game coins to exchanges or convert them to fiat risk a 15-day imprisonment.

Despite these challenges, projects like Hamster Kombat are pivotal in driving Telegram's growth and success. The messaging app continues to evolve, adapting to its user's changing needs.

'Hamster Kombat is now leading the pack. Its amazing growth shows the viral potential of the Telegram mini-app platform,' Durov commented.