Hamster Kombat Reveals Ambitious Roadmap for Post-Airdrop
As its highly anticipated airdrop nears (26 September 2024, 12pm UTC which is 10pm SGT), Hamster Kombat has unveiled an ambitious roadmap extending through 2024 and into 2025, following its token launch on The Open Network (TON).
Key initiatives include the integration of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), new game releases, and a move away from exclusive reliance on Telegram.
For the remainder of 2024, Hamster Kombat plans to incorporate external payment systems, launch additional games, and introduce NFTs as in-game assets.
The team believes it is in a "unique position" to build a Web3 gaming platform, leveraging both its extensive player base and collaboration with industry developers.
They highlight their technology and experience as key enablers for simplifying game development.
The game's rapid success speaks for itself.
After its initial release, Hamster Kombat attracted millions of players, going viral with 239 million users in its first 81 days.
The game has since onboarded over 300 million users, positioning itself as a major force in the Web3 gaming space.
What Happens Post HMSTR Airdrop?
Hamster Kombat’s tap-to-earn game has been a runaway success, amassing 239 million users in its first 81 days and surpassing 300 million users overall.
However, as the team revealed on 23 September, only 131 million of those users—43%—are eligible for its much-anticipated airdrop, with 2.3 million accounts banned for cheating.
One challenge for Web3 games is maintaining user engagement post-airdrop, but the Hamster Kombat team has outlined strategies to retain players.
The team said:
“11.25% of tokens distributed after Season 1 will be vested and unlocked 10 months after the listing. Given the project's rapid development, the value of these tokens can be comparable to the initial unlock.”
They noted that the value of the distributed tokens could appreciate, and they plan to focus on enhancing the gameplay experience rather than just the earning potential.
They added:
“This approach is different from the traditional one, where Web3 developers are paying airdrop hunters.”
Looking ahead, Hamster Kombat will launch its second season in October and expand its game library with new titles, following the model of tap-to-earn pioneer Notcoin.
To support growth, they will integrate external payment systems and, by November, introduce NFTs as in-game assets.
November will also see the launch of the first cohort of third-party-developed games, available through the upcoming Hamster Kombat progressive web app (PWA) for iOS, Android, and desktop.
This PWA marks the game's gradual move away from its Telegram roots.
The team expressed:
“Telegram will always be a crucial part of Hamster Kombat and its ecosystem of products. Still, we are looking to expand in order to capture the audience that isn't on Telegram yet. Ultimately, we see it as a positive development both for Hamster Kombat and Telegram itself as a platform for mini apps, since it will bring additional exposure.”
Hamster Kombat’s roadmap continues to build momentum into 2024.
The team plans to launch an ad network, an NFT marketplace, two major game titles with HMSTR integration, and its first competitive clan championship.
Their broader vision is to onboard more players by blending the best of Web2 and Web3, offering engaging content that appeals to a diverse gaming community.
Hamster Kombat to Buy Back Tokens & Burn
The Hamster Kombat team announced plans to launch a dedicated advertising network for games within its ecosystem, scheduled for release in December 2024.
According to the roadmap, revenue from this ad network will be used to fund token buybacks and distribute rewards to players.
It wrote:
“We're also planning to use ad revenue to buy back tokens from the market for regular distribution to players and token burns.”
Token buybacks operate similarly to stock buybacks, aiming to stabilise prices by repurchasing tokens from holders at market rates.
In contrast, token burns permanently remove tokens from circulation by sending them to burn addresses, creating scarcity that could drive up their value.
Looking ahead to 2025, Hamster Kombat plans to launch a NFT marketplace, host a competitive clan championship, and execute the second phase of its airdrop.
While Telegram will remain integral to the platform, the team emphasized its intention to reach a broader audience beyond the messaging app.