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PiP World, an emerging educational crypto gaming startup, is set to launch its debut Telegram game, “Gold Rush,” in beta on Wednesday. This launch aligns with the current boom in Telegram gaming, where games like Hamster Kombat have attracted over 300 million users, driven in part by the allure of token airdrops.
However, Gold Rush is looking to stand out by blending the popular tap-to-earn concept with an educational twist. In the game, players will repeatedly tap their screens to earn in-game coins while upgrading their virtual trading office, climbing the ranks from an intern to a hedge fund owner.
Gold Rush Explained
While similar in concept to other Telegram tap-to-earn games that incentivize player engagement with the promise of future token rewards, Gold Rush introduces a unique “skill-based” airdrop mechanism. The in-game currency earned by players will be used in a browser-based trading simulator, where players can virtually invest in top cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Solana, and Dogecoin. Though this trading occurs in a simulated environment, players’ performance will be tracked on a global leaderboard, influencing their share of the upcoming airdrop.
The game aims to educate users about crypto trading in an interactive way. This initiative aligns with PiP World’s broader mission to make crypto education accessible through gamified experiences. Earlier, in August, the company acquired a Roblox-based stock trading game called StockRise to engage a younger audience and introduce them to the PiP World ecosystem. Now, with Gold Rush, the startup is further expanding its educational outreach within the Telegram platform.
PiP World Airdrop
Details about the PiPS token generation event (TGE) are still under wraps, but PiP World has hinted that the airdrop will likely happen in “early October.” The startup is still evaluating which blockchain to use for the token, exploring several options while engaging in discussions about potential grants and collaborations.
“We’re currently exploring multiple blockchain options and engaging in discussions for potential grants and collaborations,” said Saad Naja, CEO of PiP World. “We’re committed to selecting a chain that aligns best with our mission and community needs.”
While most Telegram-based games have chosen The Open Network (TON) for their token launches, including the highly successful Notcoin, PiP World has yet to announce its decision. Notcoin’s launch earlier this year saw its NOT token reach a peak market cap of $2.97 billion, setting the bar high for other crypto gaming tokens. With its focus on education and unique skill-based airdrop approach, Gold Rush is set to carve its niche in the rapidly expanding world of Telegram gaming.
Tap-to-Earn 101
Tap-to-earn is a gaming concept, often used in crypto and mobile games, where players earn rewards by tapping on their screens repeatedly. In these games, tapping usually accumulates in-game currency, resources, or points that can often be exchanged for real-world rewards, such as cryptocurrency tokens, digital assets, or other in-game benefits.
In the context of crypto gaming, tap-to-earn games often incentivize continuous player engagement by promising future airdrops or token distributions based on the player’s activity or achievements within the game. This mechanic not only gamifies simple actions but also introduces an accessible way for players to potentially earn real-world value by playing the game.
How do Tap to Earn Games Make Money?
Tap-to-earn games generate revenue to compensate players by utilizing various business models and monetization strategies. One primary method is through advertising revenue. These games often display in-game advertisements such as banner ads, interstitial ads, or video ads. Each time a player views or interacts with an ad, the game earns money from advertisers. Additionally, they may offer rewarded ads where players choose to watch advertisements in exchange for in-game currency or bonuses, thereby increasing ad engagement and revenue.
Another significant revenue stream comes from in-app purchases. Games sell virtual goods like skins, power-ups, or tools that enhance gameplay, and they offer premium features such as ad-free experiences or exclusive content for a fee. This encourages players to spend real money within the game for a better or more personalized experience.
Tap-to-earn games also capitalize on token sales and initial coin offerings (ICOs). Developers create and sell their own cryptocurrency tokens to players and investors. Early token sales, including pre-sales and ICOs, can raise substantial capital, which can be used to fund player rewards and further game development.
Transaction fees contribute to revenue as well. If the game includes a marketplace for trading in-game assets or non-fungible tokens (NFTs), the platform can earn fees from each transaction. Fees are also collected when converting in-game currency to other cryptocurrencies or fiat money.
Sponsorships and partnerships play a role in monetization. Games partner with brands for in-game events, branded content, or sponsorships, and they engage in affiliate marketing by promoting third-party products or services within the game.
Data monetization is another avenue, where aggregated, anonymized player data is valuable for market research and can be sold to interested parties. Games may also use this data for personalized advertising, serving targeted ads that can command higher advertising rates.
Some games integrate staking and yield farming mechanisms by incorporating decentralized finance (DeFi) features. Players stake tokens within the game to earn interest, with the platform earning a share of the yields. Venture capital and investments provide additional funding, with games securing investments from venture capitalists or angel investors interested in the gaming or blockchain sectors, and obtaining grants from blockchain foundations or technology partners.
Subscription models offer monthly or yearly memberships for extra features, faster progression, or exclusive content, providing a steady revenue stream. Referral programs encourage existing players to bring in new users by offering a portion of the revenue generated from the newcomers, aiding in user acquisition.
Limited-time events and promotions, such as selling event-specific items or passes available only for a short period, create urgency and encourage spending. Effective economy design is crucial, involving balancing the in-game economy to ensure that the value of rewards remains sustainable and implementing scarcity for certain items to encourage spending.
By combining these revenue streams, tap-to-earn games create a flow of income that can be redistributed to players as rewards. The key is designing a sustainable economic model where the inflow of revenue exceeds or balances the outflow in player rewards.
It is important for players to exercise caution, as not all tap-to-earn models are sustainable. Some may rely heavily on constantly bringing in new players to fund rewards for existing ones, which can resemble a Ponzi-like scheme. Always research the game’s monetization strategy and understand the risks involved before investing significant time or resources.
