Notcoin Co-Founders Declare Tap-to-Earn Games Obsolete

Notcoin, a leading Web3 gaming project of 2024, has declared that the tap-to-earn genre is likely obsolete as the industry shifts towards more engaging and enjoyable gaming experiences. This revelation came during the Token2049 event in Dubai, where Notcoin co-founders Sasha and Vladimir Plotvinov, along with Uliana Salo, the head of design and product lead for Not Games, discussed the evolving landscape of Telegram-based Web3 gaming.

Vladimir Plotvinov highlighted that game developers are moving away from tap-to-earn models due to their inability to sustain player interest over the long term. He stated, “We’re going to see different types of games, as tap-to-earn games are probably dead because they’re not sustainable.” This shift is driven by the realization that players seek more than just monetary rewards; they want enjoyable experiences that can be shared with friends.

Notcoin, which gained significant popularity in 2024 by onboarding over 30 million users within three months, initially attracted users through its tap-to-earn model. However, Sasha Plotvinov noted that users who join these games primarily to earn tokens often lose interest quickly. He emphasized the importance of creating games that offer a social and fun experience, rather than just a means to accumulate tokens. This shift in focus is crucial for the long-term sustainability of Web3 gaming on Telegram.

The development of more engaging games on Telegram is expected to take some time, as the platform currently lacks “real games” that can captivate users beyond the initial novelty of earning tokens. However, there is optimism for the future, with the potential for Telegram to develop a robust gaming ecosystem similar to those on Facebook and WeChat. Uliana Salo, the head of design and product lead for Not Games, believes that Telegram’s user base and market potential are comparable to these established platforms, making it a prime candidate for exponential growth in the Web3 gaming sector.

Artificial intelligence is playing a significant role in accelerating the development of Web3 games on Telegram. Vladimir Plotvinov noted that AI technology has made it easier and faster for developers to write game code, thereby increasing efficiency. However, he cautioned that developers must have the expertise and experience to effectively integrate AI into their projects, ensuring that the games can handle high user loads and function seamlessly.

Despite the perceived decline of tap-to-earn games, the future of Web3 gaming on Telegram looks promising. The focus is now on creating games that offer genuine enjoyment and social interaction, rather than just token rewards. This shift aligns with the broader trend in the gaming industry, where player engagement and satisfaction are paramount. As Telegram continues to evolve its gaming ecosystem, it has the potential to become a major player in the Web3 gaming landscape, attracting both developers and users with its unique offerings.