TLDR
- Monthly active users plummet from 300M to 41M in Q4 2024
- New competitor Paws captures 20.5M users within first week
- HMSTR token value drops two-thirds from September high
- Wallet holders reach new monthly peak at 3.5M addresses
- Game developers announce expansion plans despite setbacks
The mobile gaming world witnessed a remarkable shift as Hamster Kombat, once a dominant force in Telegram’s gaming ecosystem, reported a massive decline in its user base.
Recent data shows the platform lost 259 million players between August and November 2024, representing an 86% reduction in its active user community.
Monthly active users on the tap-to-earn game now stand at 41 million, down from approximately 300 million just three months ago.
This decline represents one of the largest user exodus events in mobile gaming history, raising questions about the volatility of the tap-to-earn gaming model.
While Hamster Kombat grapples with declining numbers, a new player has emerged in the market. Paws, a fresh entry in the Telegram Mini App category, achieved remarkable growth by attracting 20.5 million users within its first eight days of operation. This rapid expansion suggests a swift shift in user preferences within the Telegram gaming community.
The market impact extends beyond user statistics. The HMSTR token, Hamster Kombat’s native cryptocurrency, experienced a sharp decline in value.
From its peak of $0.007 on September 26, the token price fell to $0.0024 by November 5, marking a 66% decrease according to CoinGecko’s market data.
Curiously, while active players departed the platform, the number of HMSTR token holders increased. IntoTheBlock data reveals a 30-day high of 3.5 million wallet holders as of November 5, indicating some investors maintain confidence in the token despite the platform’s challenges.
The emerging competitor, Paws, demonstrates strong market penetration with 10 million connected wallets. Their social media presence grew rapidly, accumulating one million followers on X, formerly Twitter, highlighting effective community engagement strategies.
Regional challenges have added complexity to Hamster Kombat’s situation. The platform faces scrutiny from Iranian authorities, while unverified reports suggest potential restrictions in Uzbekistan.
These regulatory pressures create additional hurdles for user retention in certain geographic regions.
Transaction volumes on the platform adjusted to reflect the smaller user base, though the game’s core infrastructure continues to operate smoothly.
The development team maintains regular updates and system maintenance despite the reduced player count.
Data analysis reveals the user decline occurred gradually rather than suddenly, suggesting a steady migration of players to alternative platforms over the three-month period. This pattern indicates a shift in user preferences rather than a response to a single event.
The Hamster Kombat development team has outlined plans to adapt to the changing market conditions. Their roadmap includes implementing new payment systems, expanding the game portfolio, and introducing NFT-based assets, showing commitment to platform evolution.
Technical metrics remain stable, with the platform maintaining consistent performance standards. Server operations continue uninterrupted, processing gaming transactions for the current user base without technical issues.
Market observers note that daily active user numbers appear to be stabilizing around the current level, suggesting the platform has retained a dedicated core user community despite the broader exodus.
Paws’ successful launch highlights evolving user preferences in the Telegram gaming space. Their rapid accumulation of 20.5 million users demonstrates strong market demand for fresh gaming experiences on the messaging platform.
The HMSTR token’s trading patterns show continued market activity despite price depreciation. Trading volumes indicate ongoing investor interest, even as the token value adjusts to new market conditions.
Recent platform data from early November indicates that while new user acquisition has slowed, existing users maintain regular engagement with the game’s features and mechanics.
Stay Ahead of the Market with Benzinga Pro!
Want to trade like a pro? Benzinga Pro gives you the edge you need in today's fast-paced markets. Get real-time news, exclusive insights, and powerful tools trusted by professional traders:
- Breaking market-moving stories before they hit mainstream media
- Live audio squawk for hands-free market updates
- Advanced stock scanner to spot promising trades
- Expert trade ideas and on-demand support
