Telegram crypto gaming has grown massively in 2024 following the success of Notcoin, which amassed over 40 million users in just a few months after its launch. Other games, like Hamster Kombat and Catizen, followed and garnered similar responses, gaining millions of followers in a very short span of time.
While Telegram crypto games have seen a surge in popularity with people from across the globe participating, certain demographics and regions have shown greater adoption.
A screenshot of an announcement on Telegram CEO Durov’s official channel. It shows how quickly these Telegram Game Hamster Kombat gained popularity in a short span of time.
As of 2024, three countries stand out as leading the user base for Telegram crypto games: India, Brazil, and Russia. These countries have become hotbeds for Telegram-based blockchain gaming, mainly due to their large mobile internet user bases and increasing interest in cryptocurrency.
India
India stands at the forefront of the global Telegram crypto gaming scene. The country has a rapidly growing population of mobile internet users, and with over 104 million Telegram downloads, India leads in the number of app users.
One key reason for the popularity of these games in India is the growing interest in decentralized finance (DeFi). Many Indians see cryptocurrency as a way to bypass the limitations of traditional financial systems, which can be slow and restrictive. Blockchain games on Telegram offer a fun, interactive way to familiarize users with cryptocurrencies, especially for those who might be new to the technology.
Adding to this, India has a young, tech-savvy population increasingly adopting blockchain technology. A recent report published by Chainalysis found that in 2024, India ranks number one in crypto adoption globally.
Despite high taxation and the Indian government’s lackadaisical approach to crypto regulations, cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly popular in India, making the country one of the largest markets for Telegram’s crypto games.
Brazil
Cryptocurrencies are highly popular in South American countries due to increased inflation rates in places like Argentina, Venezuela, and Brazil to some extent. Brazil’s appeal to Telegram crypto gaming can be attributed to several factors.
First, the country has a large base of mobile-first users. Internet access in Brazil has grown rapidly, and much of the population engages with digital platforms primarily through their smartphones. Since games on Telegram are mobile-friendly, it has become a natural platform for the Brazilian audience.
Moreover, Brazil’s economic situation has made cryptocurrency more appealing. The country has experienced inflationary pressures, prompting many citizens to look for alternative stores of value.
Cryptocurrency, particularly stablecoins are also popular in countries with hyperinflation as they provide a hedge to some extent. In this context, Telegram crypto games that reward users with tokens provide a way for Brazilians to both engage in fun, interactive gaming and gain access to cryptocurrency.
Notably, Brazil is also among the top five countries with the highest number of Telegram app downloads.
Russia
Russia has been closely linked with Telegram since its inception, as the platform was founded by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov. The country’s population of tech-savvy users, combined with its deep connection to the platform, makes Russia one of the largest markets for Telegram crypto games.
Games like Hamster Kombat have seen massive success in Russia, attracting millions of users. These blockchain-based games allow players to earn TON tokens as rewards, which can be used for in-game purchases or traded for other cryptocurrencies.
Additionally, Russia has recently changed its stance on cryptocurrencies, with the government working toward creating a more crypto-friendly environment. Earlier this year, Russian authorities legalized international transfers using cryptocurrencies and have been moving fast with crypto legislation. While critics claim that this is mostly to bypass Western sanctions, the popularity of cryptocurrencies in Russia, especially with tokens related to Telegram games, continues to grow.
Other countries that have seen remarkable penetration of Telegram crypto games include Indonesia, the Philippines, and South Korea. Indonesia ranks third in terms of Telegram app downloads. The Philippines has been number one in web3 games adoption for three consecutive years, according to a survey based on Google searches to study people’s interest.
What Drives the Popularity of Crypto Games in These Countries?
Apart from Russia, the countries where Telegram games have become increasingly popular are all developing economies. These countries also have a significant percentage of their populations that are young and tech-savvy.
Moreover, many Asian countries that have seen increasing crypto adoption do not have a clear regulatory framework for crypto. As such, the typical methods of accessing cryptocurrencies are not easily accessible to the masses.
With Telegram games, all they need is a mobile phone to start earning crypto as incentives for participating in various activities in the game. This ease of access is what makes Telegram games popular in these regions.
On the other hand, European countries have stricter regulatory frameworks around crypto, and the recent arrest of Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov in France could further prompt actions against the app, negatively impacting the prospects of Telegram games in the region.
Consequently, game publishers are focusing more on regions where they see better opportunities for growth. Given the current circumstances and the response from these countries, it is likely that this trend will continue in the foreseeable future.
