"Hamster Kombat Launches Layer-2 Network, Bringing Telegram's Users to Crypto"

Telegram-based crypto game Hamster Kombat has launched its own layer-2 network, The Hamster Network, on The Open Network (TON). The new network aims to provide fast and scalable infrastructure for games and other apps, with negligible cost per transaction. Developed in collaboration with TON, the Hamster Network is designed to help bring more of Telegram's nearly one billion users into the crypto world via interactive mini apps and games.

The Hamster Network is powered by the TON Virtual Machine, and its smart contracts are fully compatible with TON, making it seamless for developers to port their dapps. The network launches with infrastructure including a wallet, a bridge for moving assets, and a dedicated decentralized exchange (DEX). Multiple developers are already building apps for the platform, though no details were shared.

To stress test the network, Hamster Network is inviting users to participate in Hamster Boost, a game designed to identify potential issues through blockchain testing quests. Participants can earn bounties and rewards for their contributions.

Hamster Kombat amassed over 300 million players last year, with its planned second season of gameplay, Hamster Kombat: GameDev Heroes, launching last week as part of a broader "HamsterVerse" relaunch. The HMSTR token hit an all-time low price last Tuesday alongside the game's launch but is up 17% since despite broader crypto market pain. At its current price of $0.0017, HMSTR remains down 76% from its peak price from last September.