The Evolution of Tap-to-Earn Games
The Current State of Tap-to-Earn
Tap-to-earn games, which have gained significant popularity, are expected to undergo substantial evolution. GeeZee, the head of games at Ethereum layer-2 network Mantle, predicts that while the core concept of tap-to-earn games—accessibility—will remain, developers will introduce new, simple mechanics to make gameplay more diverse by the end of 2025.
According to GeeZee, swipe-to-earn and jump-to-earn games will likely rise. These new formats aim to provide more dynamic interactions while maintaining the high accessibility that has made tap-to-earn games so popular. He believes that developers will continue to test and iterate on these games over the next year.
The Appeal of Hamster Kombat
One of the most successful tap-to-earn games this year is Hamster Kombat. Players take on the role of a hamster CEO managing a virtual cryptocurrency exchange. GeeZee finds it a lighthearted and fun game, perfect for relaxation. He emphasizes that he plays it for entertainment rather than financial gain.
Despite criticism for monotonous gameplay, tap-to-earn games like Hamster Kombat have gained millions of users. Hamster Kombat alone attracted 239 million users within its first 81 days of release. Another game, Notcoin, recorded 20 million users within 26 days of its release.
GeeZee insists that the primary focus of gaming should be on entertainment rather than revenue generation. He is particularly excited about upcoming Web3 game releases such as Family Fren, Digital Fire, and the highly anticipated Blade of God X, a visually stunning action RPG.
Sky Mavis Launches Axie Pals: The Web3 Tamagotchi
Axie Pals: A New Take on an Old Favorite
Sky Mavis, the company behind Axie Infinity, has introduced Axie Pals, a Web3 version of the classic Tamagotchi. The AI-powered Google Chrome extension allows users to care for their Axie NFTs on their screens around the clock. Users can interact with their Axies while working, browsing the web, or relaxing.
Jeff Zirlin, co-founder and chief growth officer of Sky Mavis, explains that Axie Pals taps into the nostalgic concept of Tamagotchi but with a modern Web3 twist. Axie Pals aims to transform the relationship between players and their Axies, making it a continuous interaction rather than a one-time event.
Community Reactions and Future Plans
The Axie community has generally reacted positively to Axie Pals. Some users, like Web3 content creator EmpressRaeon, have expressed emotional connections with their Axies, making the experience even more meaningful. However, some users feel that Axie Pals could benefit from additional functionality, such as widgets or customizable quick access buttons.
Zirlin hints that more features are on the way, promising continued experimentation with new product ideas. Over the past three months, Axie Infinity has seen a 53.27% increase in Unique Active Wallets interacting with the game, reaching 87,270 wallets.
The Rigorous Life of Pro Web3 Gamers
The Demanding Schedule of Pro Gamers
Being a full-time Web3 gamer is far from easy. According to Gabby Dizon, co-founder of Yield Guild Games (YGG), professional players in YGG Esports dedicate about 60-80 hours each week to their craft. The level of skill is the primary factor that separates the best gamers from the rest. Web3 esports focuses solely on skill, regardless of a player’s background.
Preparing for the Big Tournament
As gamers prepare for a major tournament in the Philippines, the hours they put in are expected to increase. The YGG Play Summit (YPS) will feature a $100,000 prize pool for the competitive sci-fi card game, Parallel. Dizon explains that the Parallel League is to Web3 what the Magic Pro Tour and the Hearthstone World Championship are to traditional and Web2 TCGs.
The competition will get tougher as more pro gamers transition from Web2 to Web3. Some players are naturally suited for esports, but only the best can compete at the highest level. Web3 guilds will play a significant role in providing mentorship and support for these new competitive players.
Other Noteworthy Developments in Web3 Gaming
New Partnerships and Announcements
