Telegram’s Rise as a Game-Changer in Web3 Gaming

The Emergence of Telegram as a Gaming Platform

In 2008, Facebook revolutionized the gaming sector with hit titles like FarmVille and Mafia Wars, rapidly gaining millions of players through seamless distribution and social engagement. Now, a similar opportunity is unfolding, this time on Telegram.

With around one billion active users each month, Telegram stands as one of the largest messaging apps globally, steadily evolving in ways many are yet to recognize. Renowned primarily for its commitment to user privacy, Telegram is enhancing its capabilities, intertwining itself with the TON blockchain at a fundamental level.

This unique integration equips Telegram with an advanced wallet feature that allows users to earn interest on their assets. For many, particularly those outside the U.S., the Telegram Wallet is functioning similarly to a traditional bank account, enabling storage, transactions, and passive income.

This advanced financial infrastructure paves the way for developers to innovate, particularly within the realm of web3 gaming. Instead of depending on external wallets like MetaMask or navigating complicated onboarding processes, developers can create experiences directly in an environment where users are already engaging with cryptocurrency.

At GOAT Gaming, we’ve observed a notable increase in player spending through TON, the on-chain wallet of Telegram. Players utilizing this crypto wallet tend to spend four to ten times more compared to those using the fiat-based Stars currency.

Telegram’s Collectible Gifts and NFT Marketplace

Earlier this year, Telegram’s evolution was marked by the introduction of collectible gifts—limited-edition digital items that users can send, upgrade, and trade in a native marketplace. Launched in January, many initial collections sold out almost instantly.

In May, Telegram took a step further by introducing a resale marketplace powered by its in-app currency, Stars. Users can now acquire, sell, or gift rare collectibles directly in their chats.

Creators also benefit, gaining access to tools that enhance community engagement. Upgraded gifts can now be minted and traded as NFTs, allowing users to retain these items as valued assets while engaging in secondary markets directly within the app.

The early results are impressive. As of June 9, 2025, Telegram Collectibles recorded a striking $9.7 million in weekly trading volumes for NFTs, according to a dashboard monitoring TON-based assets. In contrast, Ethereum NFTs achieved $3.6 million during the same timeframe. This trend closely resembles the early days of the 2021 NFT surge, but with a significant advantage—there are no additional wallets to install or complex decentralized applications to navigate.

Opportunities for Game Developers with Telegram Collectibles

At GOAT Gaming, we’ve realized that Telegram Collectibles offer more than just visual appeal; they are becoming integral to community-driven marketing and user retention strategies. These digital items create both emotional and financial incentives for users to engage more frequently.

This shift indicates a larger trend moving away from conventional performance marketing toward gameplay mechanics that naturally promote user acquisition and retention. Collectibles play a crucial role in fostering connections, showcasing status, and encouraging spending in ways that traditional advertisements often fail to achieve.

Together, these features foster a cohesive environment for digital interactions, commerce, and ownership. This transformation positions Telegram as a leading platform in the domain of Web3 gaming, ripe for scaling.

Game studios like GOAT Gaming are already experimenting with gifting mechanics that stimulate user referrals, re-engagement, and real-time campaign responses. For instance, we recently rolled out a Telegram-native raffle featuring gift rewards linked to gameplay actions. Within a mere two weeks, this initiative successfully brought hundreds of thousands of new players on board, led to tens of thousands of completed wallet connections, and significantly reduced what would have traditionally been a costly user acquisition effort.

The movement toward community-centric gameplay continues to gain momentum. We are developing new experiences that elevate collectibles from mere cosmetic additions to essential infrastructure.

Unlocking New Gaming Experiences with Telegram

In our upcoming game, Underground Pepe, we aim to provide real utility through features that unlock gameplay rewards and elevate in-game status. Players will join Pepe in building a chaotic underground empire, strategizing, and collecting NFTs along with Telegram Collectibles.

Earnings will stem from managing a rug factory and reinvesting in additional collectibles, creating gameplay loops that reflect Telegram’s dynamic trading, gifting, and meme culture.

In conclusion, Telegram has positioned itself to become a cornerstone of Web3 infrastructure. For developers who are attentive, Telegram already provides the tools, audience reach, and engagement that other platforms are still striving to achieve. Ignoring this trend might mean missing out on one of the most significant avenues for player acquisition in years.

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