Tap-to-earn games have stolen the attention of airdrop hunters, GameFi enthusiasts, and even the masses. Games such as NotCoin, Pixelverse, and Hamster Kombat are one of the few examples of  tap-to-earn games that garnered massive player counts and airdrop rewards. However, this new tap-to-earn meta has got crypto-natives to speculate on its feasibility, sustainability, and whether it's the future of GameFi or just another fad that will fade to obscurity in the near future. 

Let’s find out whether tap-to-earn games are worth looking into or just a waste of time.

What are tap-to-earn games?

According to Trust Wallet, Tap-to-earn games are a subset of cryptocurrency where users are incentivized to gain some cryptocurrency by doing basic tapping tasks. These tasks include repeatedly tapping or pressing a virtual button and doing other simple tasks. The simplicity of tap-to-earn games has grabbed the attention of retail users due to these factors:

Accessibility: Tap-to-earn games require little-to-no crypto knowledge, high-barrier hardware, or initial capital. Users simply have to tap away without having any gaming skills required.

Incentivization through crypto:: The concept of simply tapping on a screen to generate cryptocurrency or airdrop eligibility attracts users to spend their time grinding these games in their spare time.

Integration with already popular platforms: Majority of tap-to-earn games operate under the TON ecosystem. These games are powered and operated on Telegram, a private messaging app that has pivoted to include different features, which many retail users trust and have it downloaded on their devices

The simplicity and incentivization has led to tap-to-earn games being viral and mainstream in the GameFi industry, allowing networks like TON and Aptos to capitalize on the hype and momentum. However, there are also some misconceptions when it comes to the expectations these tap-to-earn games bring

Are tap-to-earn games a fad?

GameF has always had a problem when it comes to the longevity of the projects within the industry. Games such as the classic Axie Infinity saw a massive surge in users when it was trending in 2021, but is now a shell of its former glory due to users choosing the rewards over gameplay. The looming fear of tap-to-earn games following the same path is not out of the question as there have been crypto natives that are alerting communities to not hope for a lot on these kinds of games.

Hamster Kombat, a tap-to-earn game that has garnered a staggering 148 million users worldwide in just a short amount of time. Hamster Kombat has hinted on an airdrop for its users which has driven user count to go up as they are given more incentives to participate and be eligible in their airdrop.

While Hamster Kombat’s tokenomics and airdrop allocation has not yet been revealed according to TON’s Content Manage, Viktor Prjadkin, the sheer number of users that engage with Hamster Kombat will lead to a domino effect of low airdrop allocation. As more and more users play Hamster Kombat in hopes to be a part of the airdrop, the allocation gets divided more and more to a point where it goes below expectation. 

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A video by Shun, an expert in crypto airdrop, expressed his distaste of people’s expectations about expecting a high reward for playing Hamster Kombat through airdrops. At its essence, tap-to-earn games are still games. Games are meant to be played with enthusiasm and passion for gaming, enjoyability, and a way to destress. GameFi is a way to reward users with an incentive outside of the game through cryptocurrency but is still focused on the enjoyability of the gameplay.

While Hamster Kombat and other tap-to-earn games have its pros and cons, those who truly enjoy tap games with or without the rewards will surely benefit from GameFi. Any game, whether it is in crypto or not, should focus on enjoyability and quality gameplay to attract new users and retain daily players. It is important to discern whether daily users are focused on enjoying the gameplay or relying on the incentives to engage with the game to determine the project’s future growth.