As web3 gaming gains momentum, Telegram has emerged as a significant platform for developers. Games such as Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, and Catizen have gained traction among Telegram’s 900 million users, highlighting the platform’s potential for web3 gaming studios. The convenience of accessing and playing games within Telegram itself has fueled the rapid growth of its gaming ecosystem.

This report examines the evolving landscape of Telegram games, with insights drawn from data collected by Helika and submissions to the Telegram Gaming Accelerator (TGA). The analysis aims to provide developers with actionable insights as they consider expanding their games into the Telegram ecosystem, particularly within the TON blockchain. As the ecosystem evolves, real-time analytics and data-driven decisions become crucial for developers aiming to adapt and succeed in this fast-growing space.

State of Telegram Gaming Helika Report Q3 2024

Analysis of Telegram Games

The Telegram gaming ecosystem has experienced notable growth, with some titles reaching 100,000 players in a single month. However, despite this promising start, the challenge of game discoverability has increased due to the rise in new releases. For developers, creating effective marketing strategies is essential for success.

Helika’s data reveals a significant shift in player behavior. For example, average session lengths have increased from 2.8 minutes to 6.7 minutes, indicating higher engagement. Retention rates have also improved, with more varied and immersive game experiences emerging on the platform.

One standout example is a game with a modest user base of 3,000 registered users but an impressive DAU/MAU ratio of 45%. This means nearly half of its monthly active users engage daily, signaling strong retention and engagement. The game also generated $550 million in trading volume, underscoring its financial performance.

Average Session Length

For context, in web2 gaming, a DAU/MAU ratio of 20-30% is typical, while anything above 40% signifies high engagement. This highlights the growing level of interaction in the Telegram gaming ecosystem, where games are increasingly engaging users daily.

Further emphasizing the ecosystem’s growth, September 2024 recorded over 3 million active wallets across just nine games, including Catizen, GAMEE, and Cat Gold Miner. Data on wallet activity also indicates that gamers are not only creating wallets but actively using them to transfer NFTs, showcasing Telegram's vibrant engagement with blockchain-based features.

TON Daily Active User Wallets (DAUW)

Regional and Growth Insights

Unlike the broader web3 gaming community, which primarily draws players from Southeast Asia and Latin America, Telegram gaming has a distinct regional profile. A majority of players are based in Europe, indicating potential regional differences in how users interact with web3 games on Telegram.

Several standout games reflect this trend:

• Catizen: In September 2024, the game distributed 34% of its total token allocation, sparking a notable increase in player activity.
• GAMEE: The platform saw a 300% month-over-month increase in volume and transactions.
• X Empire: Since its July 2024 launch, X Empire attracted 48 million players, with 18 million connecting wallets, and 483 billion in-game tokens mined.
• Rocky Rabbit: The game has engaged 30 million players and is preparing for a token launch aimed at boosting in-game rewards.
• BANANA: With 10 million users by October 2024 and over 1.1 million daily active users, BANANA illustrates the power of social-driven engagement, as 7.8 million players joined through referrals.
• WONTON: After its August 2024 launch, WONTON attracted over 1 million users within a few weeks, with 200,000 players joining on the first day alone.

Additionally, the number of wallets holding jettons—a form of cryptocurrency on the TON blockchain—doubled between September and October, reaching 19.4 million, reflecting the ecosystem’s rapid growth.

Unique Player ID by Continent

Telegram Gaming Accelerator Insights

Helika has gained valuable insights into the ecosystem through its Telegram Gaming Accelerator (TGA), in partnership with Notcoin. The TGA has attracted applications from hundreds of games across various genres, such as simulation, puzzle, platformers, and shooters, demonstrating the growing interest from developers in creating more immersive and engaging experiences.

Through the TGA, developers gain access to Helika’s advanced analytics infrastructure, allowing them to track key metrics like player engagement, retention, and monetization. This data-driven support, combined with marketing assistance from Notcoin, provides developers with the tools needed to improve visibility and engagement, helping them stand out in the increasingly competitive Telegram gaming space.

Genre Breakdown

Why Telegram Games?

Several factors make Telegram an attractive platform for game developers:

1. Integrated User Experience: Games are built directly into the Telegram messaging app, allowing users to access games seamlessly without the need for separate downloads. This integration lowers barriers to entry and encourages frequent gameplay.
2. Social Integration: Telegram’s group chats and channels enhance player interaction, driving community engagement. Players can discuss strategies, share in-game achievements, and challenge friends, all within the same platform.
3. Blockchain Features: Telegram games often incorporate blockchain technology, allowing for token rewards, digital asset ownership, and decentralized economies. These elements provide players with opportunities to trade or sell in-game items, adding value to the gaming experience.
4. Innovative Gameplay: Telegram supports a wide range of game genres, allowing developers to explore new mechanics and models, such as play-to-earn and community-driven development.
5. Broad Reach: With a global user base exceeding 900 million, Telegram offers developers a large and diverse audience. This broad reach creates opportunities for expanding the player base across different regions, enhancing both visibility and growth potential.

Final Thoughts

The data from Q3 2024 reveals considerable growth and evolving trends within the Telegram gaming ecosystem. As engagement continues to rise, developers have new opportunities to tap into a thriving market. With support from initiatives like the Telegram Gaming Accelerator, which offers valuable data analytics and marketing support, developers are well-positioned to succeed in this dynamic space. For more information, you can read the full report here.