Hamster Kombat tappers in the slide-to find + Axie Pals Tamagotchis: Web3 player

Hamster Kombat is fun but the ‘tap' needs improvement

According to GeeZee, Head of Games at Ethereum Layer-2 Network Mantle, the tap-to-find basics of games are here to stay, but the game is set to evolve a lot in the coming year.

I predict that by the end of 2025, we will be able to change access games – accessibility – to new simple mechanics while offering more diverse gameplay, GeeZee tells Web3 Gamer.

GeeZee predicts an increase in jump-to-earn games as they offer more “dynamic interactions” that provide “low barriers to entry and the high reach that made tap-to-earn games so popular.”

“Over the next 12 months, developers will continue to test, iterate and release usable games,” he says.

One tap-tap game that GeeZee enjoyed playing this year was Hamster Combat, a viral tap-tap game in which players manage a virtual cryptocurrency exchange with a hamster CEO.

“It's a light-hearted, leisurely game,” says GeeZee, who says he's not playing to get rich.

“I don't expect to get anything from the game; And I really appreciate the entertainment value and the fun it brings,” he explained.

Although tap-to-find games have been derided for their boring “just tap” gameplay, their popularity this year is undeniable. Hamster Kombat attracted 239 million users in the first 81 days after its release in March.

Meanwhile, Telegram's clicker game NotCoin recorded 20 million users within 26 days of its release in April.

While crypto earning opportunities and incentives can play a big role in revenue success, GeeZee insists that “the main focus of the game should always be on the entertainment value.”

He added: “I don't think it should be kept as a viable means of earning income.”

As for upcoming Web3 game releases, GeeZee is particularly excited about the full release of FamilyFreak and Digital Fire, but top of the list is the hardcore action RPG Blade of God X.

“It's simply visually stunning, and it's no understatement to say it's one of the best looking games in the space – Web3 or otherwise. “Party icons have entered the popular genre with fast-paced, social play,” he says.

Sky Mavis launches Web3 Tamagotchi ‘Axie Pals'.

Tamagotchis may have died out ages ago, but the firm behind Axie Infinity believes the time is right for a comeback. This time, he's bringing them into the Web3 world.

Nicknamed the “Web3 Tamagotchi,” the AI-powered Google Chrome extension “Axie Pals” lets users keep Axie NFTs on their screens 24/7.

If you have an NFT Axie, you can keep your little pet hanging out on your screen while you work, surf the web, or just chill with Netflix.

Sky Mavis founder and chief development officer Jeff Zirlin told Web3 Gamer that Axe Pals “taps into the nostalgic concept of the Tamagotchi,” but with a new Web3 spin.

“Axi Pals changes the relationship between a player and an Axi. It's no longer just a one-time interaction,” he explains.

“Axi Pals will be with you in your everyday life—whether you're in a meeting, writing a tweet, or just browsing the web. Your Axie is always by your side, collecting XP and evolving in real-time,” he says.

Reaction from the Axi community has generally been relatively positive.

Web3 content creator EmpressRaeon revealed in a September 26 X post that he bought his Axie Infinity because it looked like a puppy that died as a child. “When I'm on Twitter, he travels with me, and I can play with him. AxiePals is amazing,” wrote EmpressRaeon.

But some users say it would be nice if the little virtual creatures had a little more functionality.

“Axie Pals needs more features like widgets or customizable quick access buttons,” commented Web3 game analyst HunterTV in a September 28 X post, noting that linking the chatgpty account to Spotify or even checking Ronin's token would be useful. Prices frequently.

Zirlin hinted that more Axis Pal features are coming. “Expect us to continue experimenting with new product ideas,” he says.

Over the past three months, Axie Infinity has experienced a significant shift in activity, with a 53.27% increase in unique active wallets (UAW) connecting to the game to reach 87,270 wallets, according to data from Dapradar.

Pro players expect 80-hour weeks ahead of the $100K tournament.

Being a full-time Web3 gamer isn't as far-fetched as it sounds. Some players are working two full-time jobs every week to prepare for the big game this year, said Gabby Dizon, founder of Yield Guild Games (YGG).

“Our professional players put in 60-80 hours every week at YGG Esports,” Dizon told Web3Gamer, adding that skill level is the only thing that separates the best players from the rest.

“Web3 esports doesn't discriminate other than talent. It doesn't care who you are or where you come from. You just have to be good at the game. You have to be the best.”

As you prepare for the big November show in the Philippines, the clock is ticking for a six-figure prize pool in a competitive sci-fi card game.

YGG is partnering with Parallel TCG to bring the YGG Play Summit (YPS) to Manila, Philippines with a $100,000 prize pool tournament.

“Parallel League is to Web 3 what the Magic Pro Tour and Hearthstone World Championship are to traditional and Web2 TCGs,” Dizon said.

The competition only gets stronger as pro players switch from Web2.

“Some of them are suitable for esports, and we're seeing famous players from Web2 come to make a name for themselves on Web3. But these players are better than the best, and not everyone can compete at that level,” says Dizon.

“Web3 Guilds play an important role in this, providing mentorship and other support to these new competitive players,” he added.

Other news:

— Floki's play-to-find MMORPG Valhalla has partnered with esports organization Alliance as their official Web3 gaming partner. Floki said the partnership will introduce Valhalla to Alliance's 7 million online followers.

– Line Hero has announced the new Web3 game, Hero Z Tenant, based on the classic SEGA action RPG “Rent Hero” released in 1991. The game is set to release sometime in 2025.

– Global sports brand giant Puma has partnered with Web3 mobile game UNKJD Soccer to use Puma-licensed content in the game.

Arbitrum-based Layer 3 solution for AAA game Xai has announced that multiplayer rogue-lite shooter Riftstorm will be the exclusive flagship title.

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Ciaran Lyon

Ciaran Lyons is an Australian crypto journalist. He is also a freelance comedian and has been a radio and TV presenter on Triple J, SBS and The Project.