About
HMSTR
Ended--
Last price (USDT)
659.04K
24h total (USDT)
5.16M
Total vol (USDT)
2024-09-13 08:00:00 ~ 2024-09-26 11:30:00
Trading time (UTC+0)
2024-09-27 00:00:00
Delivery time (UTC+0)
Total supply100.00B
Resources
Introduction
Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) is an engaging Telegram-based tap-to-earn game where players take on the role of a CEO running a virtual cryptocurrency exchange. The goal of the game is to level up from being a humble "shaved hamster" to the prestigious "grandmaster CEO" of a tier-1 exchange. Players achieve this by tapping on their screens to accumulate in-game currency known as Hamster Coins. HMSTR Total supply: 100,000,000,000 X: https://twitter.com/hamster_kombat Telegram: https://t.me/hamster_kombat
COC the Game Changer: When Everything in GameFi Becomes "Verifiable", the Era of P2E 3.0 Begins
On November 28, 2025, according to Coingecko data, the GameFi token with the highest market cap, $FLOKI, ranked 155th. The once-glorious GameFi sector has now completely fallen out of the TOP 100 by market cap. This is a story of collective collapse for an entire sector. But this sector was once so close to changing the world. Looking back to 2021, Axie Infinity’s daily active users once surpassed 2.8 million, SLP token’s daily trading volume exceeded $360 million, and stories of Filipino players supporting their families by playing games were widely circulated in the community. At that time, everyone believed that "play-to-earn" would change the gaming industry. GameFi was seen as the sexiest application scenario for blockchain technology, attracting countless capital and countless copycat projects. However, in less than a year, the bubble burst. Axie’s token AXS fell more than 90% from its peak, SLP nearly went to zero, and the once-thriving player community collapsed overnight. Over the next three years, this story repeated itself. StepN and various X-to-Earn projects followed one after another, but without exception, all ended up with the same fate. In 2024, the Telegram gaming ecosystem brought new hope. Hundreds of millions of users flooded in, and NOTCOIN, DOGS, and Hamster Kombat created unprecedented user scale. But after the excitement, the same problem remained—players came for the airdrop and left immediately after TGE. Why did previous Play to Earn models all fail? Where is the breakthrough? On November 24, a game called COC (Call of Odin's Chosen) gave its own answer—the world’s first VWA (Virtual World Asset) mechanism, which puts all key in-game economic data on-chain for verification. This may be the true key to breaking through for Play to Earn 3.0. I. Play to Earn 1.0: The Collapse of Trust in a Black Box The failure of Axie Infinity and StepN essentially boils down to the same problem: players cannot verify the promises of the project team and can only trust unconditionally—when that trust collapses, the economic model collapses as well. Axie’s economic system essentially relied on a continuous influx of new players. Early players made money by breeding Axies, and new players had to buy Axies to enter. When user growth slowed, the whole system immediately fell into a death spiral. The entry cost for three Axies once reached thousands of dollars, shutting out the vast majority of potential players. Eventually, participants became pure speculators rather than real gamers. SLP tokens were mainly produced through battles, but the only consumption scenario was breeding. When the number of players peaked, token output far exceeded consumption, leading to uncontrollable inflation. But behind all these appearances, there is a more fundamental problem: all drops and rewards are calculated by the project’s servers, and players cannot verify fairness—they can only trust the official team unconditionally. This laid the groundwork for the subsequent trust crisis. Players actively participating in Axie Infinity StepN is also part of Play to Earn 1.0. Although it tried to fix Axie’s problems by expanding "play-to-earn" to running scenarios and lowering the entry barrier, attempting to make "earning money" easier, at its core it was still the same formula—new players pay for old players, just packaged as a "healthy lifestyle." The GST token still experienced wild price swings, and players still came not because the game was fun, but because they could make money. Once the returns dropped, people left. And the most fundamental problem remained: the project team still controlled all key data, and all data verification and reward calculations were centralized black boxes, leaving players as the disadvantaged party in an information asymmetry. The fatal flaw of Play to Earn 1.0 was not that the economic model was poorly designed, but that in an opaque system, even the most perfect economic model is just a castle in the air. Once trust collapses, the token price collapses with it. II. Play for Airdrop: The Illusion of Traffic Prosperity By 2024, the Telegram gaming ecosystem experienced explosive growth. From NOTCOIN to DOGS, from Hamster Kombat to Catizen’s 35 million users, the TON ecosystem proved that Telegram could be the most powerful traffic gateway for Web3. In just one year, hundreds of millions of users entered the on-chain world, achieving a user scale that traditional game companies could only dream of, easily realized through the magic of Telegram mini-programs. This time, GameFi seemed to have found a new direction. Low entry barriers, zero downloads, and viral social sharing—Telegram mini-programs allowed hundreds of millions of Web2 users to experience the crypto world for the first time. Clicker games, though simple, truly attracted massive users. The airdrop mechanism also provided real rewards, and players did receive tokens. In 2024, TON games saw explosive growth. Leading projects attracted nearly 10 million followers on X. But after the excitement, a fatal problem emerged. Players came for the airdrop and left immediately after TGE. Hamster Kombat’s controversial airdrop and DOGS’ rapid price drop all point to the same dilemma:The airdrop is the end, and players cannot be retained at all. This is not the economic model collapse of Axie, nor the Ponzi scheme of StepN. Telegram games made a completely different mistake. Clicker games themselves have no playability. The simple Tap-to-Earn mechanism, while driving rapid user growth, means players’ only goal is to get the airdrop, not to enjoy the game itself. No one stays because the game is fun. Players came for the airdrop and left immediately after TGE. Hamster Kombat’s controversial airdrop and DOGS’ rapid price drop all point to the same dilemma: if the end of the game is the airdrop, what happens after the airdrop? This is not a problem with a single project, but a bottleneck of the "Play for Airdrop" model itself. Project teams get short-term traffic but cannot retain users, and players immediately sell tokens after receiving them. Both sides are consuming trust in a zero-sum game. More importantly, data is still opaque. Although tokens are issued on-chain, in-game output calculations, probability mechanisms, and distribution rules are still controlled by centralized servers. When the Hamster Kombat airdrop controversy erupted, the project team could not provide any verifiable evidence and could only struggle to explain in the face of public opinion. Players still cannot verify whether they were treated fairly. Play to Earn 1.0 died from economic model collapse, while Play for Airdrop died from being unable to retain users at all. From Axie to Hamster Kombat, two generations of GameFi projects made different mistakes but ended up with the same result. III. VWA: The Key to Breaking Through for Play to Earn 3.0 On November 24, a Telegram game called COC (Call of Odin's Chosen) officially launched. This is a strategy development + real-time looting game with a Viking theme, incubated by the Catizen ecosystem. More importantly, it attempts to systematically answer the three questions above. In the project team’s white paper, COC defines itself as "Play to Earn 3.0"—not an empty slogan, but a fundamental solution to GameFi’s trust problem based on the world’s first VWA (Virtual World Asset) mechanism. What is VWA? What does Play to Earn 3.0 really mean? Simply put, VWA means putting all key in-game economic data on-chain for proof. Specifically, this includes: Deposit/withdrawal records Seafaring mining output Looting mining output $COC consumption records Time blind box lottery results Unlike traditional games where "the project team has the final say," every output, every consumption, and every lottery in COC generates a verifiable on-chain record. Players can verify for themselves: Did I get the correct reward probability from this seafaring mining? Are the time blind box lottery results real? Were the tokens burned by the system really destroyed? The project team cannot act maliciously: they cannot secretly change drop probabilities, cannot arbitrarily mint tokens to reward insiders, and cannot hide real burn data. This level of transparency is unprecedented in GameFi history. Axie’s "trust us," StepN’s "data is on our servers," and Telegram games’ "trust our airdrop rules" are finally replaced by "on-chain verifiability." VWA is not just a technological innovation, but a redistribution of power—from the project team to the players. This is the definition of Play to Earn 3.0: when players can verify everything, trust is no longer GameFi’s weakness, but a fact written on the blockchain. IV. A Verifiable Economic Model Based on VWA Based on VWA’s transparent mechanism, COC has built a truly verifiable economic model: 84% of tokens go back to players, Bitcoin-style halving controls output, and consumption and value cycles drive deflation. The goal is to create a player-driven, verifiable, and sustainable game economy. Specifically, this economic model includes the following core mechanisms: Bitcoin-style halving, reshaping the "mining the first block" narrative Unlike most projects, COC’s token distribution mechanism directly borrows from Bitcoin. COC sets a fixed total supply of 210 billion tokens, never to be increased. The output schedule is modeled after Bitcoin: 88.2 billion tokens (42% of the total) are released in the first month, with the amount halved every 30 days thereafter. Of the total distribution, 84% is allocated to players through in-game mining, and the team’s initial share is 0. This design directly addresses the biggest pain point of past GameFi—unrestrained inflation. When token output decreases monthly, "the earlier you participate, the higher your returns" becomes a hard fact, not just a marketing slogan. The 42% allocation in the first month means early players will receive nearly half of the total token output over the entire lifecycle. This is not just "painting a big pie," but deterministic returns written into the smart contract. More importantly, 84% is allocated to players. Compared to traditional GameFi projects where the team and institutions often take 30-40%, COC truly returns power to the community. The project team is no longer the "house," but an auxiliary role standing with the players. Dual-track mining, balancing gameplay and returns COC’s token output is divided into two modes: seafaring mining (75.6%) and looting mining (8.4%). Seafaring mining: Players send ships "out to explore," with settlements every 10 minutes. This is similar to Bitcoin mining—the more ships you send (the higher your computing power), the higher your probability of rewards. The system uses a "weighted lottery" mechanism to ensure fair token distribution. This design is quite clever: 90% of in-game output goes to seafaring, and 10% goes into the "looting pool." This means even casual players who only send ships out without participating in PvP can still earn steady returns. Looting mining: Players consume "battle stones" to participate in in-game PvE levels, sharing a prize pool formed by 10% of all players’ seafaring output. This part emphasizes gameplay—you need to actually play the game and complete challenges, not just click the screen. This design breaks the old binary of "either pure idle or pure grind." Casual players can focus on seafaring, while hardcore players can earn extra returns through looting. Gameplay and token output are deeply integrated for the first time. More importantly, COC’s gameplay borrows from mature Web2 game design experience. Strategy development, resource allocation, real-time looting—these addictive mechanisms proven in WeChat mini-games are fully transplanted into the Web3 environment. Players are not clicking just to "mine," but naturally earn tokens while enjoying the game. This is what Play to Earn should look like. Consumption-burn-rebate flywheel, sustainable economic cycle The death spiral of past GameFi stemmed from an unbalanced token economy—output far exceeded consumption, leading to runaway inflation. COC has built a complete token circulation system. Players spend $COC to buy items, speed up, and draw cards. The system automatically divides each expenditure into four parts: 36% permanently burned, sent to a black hole address 36% rebated to players (via time blind box lottery) 18% to team operations 10% for promotion commissions The core of this design is that every $COC spent by players is used to its fullest. 36% is permanently burned. The simplest and most direct deflationary mechanism—circulating supply continues to decrease as the game runs, and token scarcity increases over time. 36% goes into the blind box rebate pool. Every expenditure is a lottery chance, forming a positive incentive. This allows tokens to circulate within the player community, rather than flowing out one-way. 18% goes to team operations. This is the most noteworthy part of COC’s economic model—the team uses this income for ongoing content development and version updates. While most GameFi projects fall into a "no new content—player loss—token price drop" death spiral after TGE, COC chooses to guarantee development resources with real funds, turning player spending directly into game quality improvements. 10% is used for promotion commissions. Through KOL cooperation and community incentives, the player base is continuously expanded. At the same time, withdrawal fees use a time-decreasing mechanism: immediate withdrawal incurs a 50% fee, decreasing by 3% per day, dropping to 5% after 15 days. This design effectively filters out short-term arbitrage funds, keeping tokens in the hands of long-term players. From an economic model perspective, COC aims to build a positive cycle of "gameplay-driven consumption—consumption supports development—development enhances gameplay." And the fundamental difference between COC and all past GameFi is—everything can be verified. Is the halving mechanism executed on time? Check on-chain. Did 84% of tokens really go to players? Check on-chain. Is the seafaring mining weight calculation fair? Check on-chain. Are the looting prize pool distribution rules transparent? Check on-chain. Were 36% of tokens really burned? The black hole address balance is clear at a glance. Are the time blind box lottery results real? Every record is traceable. When Axie says "trust our economic model," and StepN says "we burned X tokens," players can only choose to believe. When COC says the same thing, players can verify for themselves. This is the change brought by VWA—not a better promise, but verifiable facts. This is the core evolution from Play to Earn 1.0 to 3.0. V. From 0 to 1 Million: Verified Growth Potential Before the official launch, COC’s pre-registered users had already surpassed 1 million. What does this number indicate? It shows that there is still huge demand in the market for "real games." COC is not a clicker, nor a simple "Tap-to-Earn." On the surface, it looks like an idle game, but the internal strategy depth is far beyond imagination. Players need to allocate resources wisely, choose upgrade paths, decide when to set sail, and when to loot. The game’s art style is exquisite, the Viking theme is immersive, and the gameplay itself is interesting enough—this is what a game should be. It’s worth mentioning that COC writes 18% of team income into token distribution, ensuring continuous updates for future versions. Many GameFi projects die halfway because the team runs out of money for development. COC’s design is long-term oriented—retaining players through continuous content updates, not just a one-off rush. No complex narrative packaging, no flashy metaverse concepts, just a simple pursuit of gameplay. Letting players feel growth in every choice and excitement in every competition—that is the essence of gaming. This obsession with gameplay may be exactly what past GameFi has been missing. COC defines itself as Play to Earn 3.0, not as a marketing concept, but as a systematic answer to three core questions: How to make the value of "playing the game" greater than "making money"? By borrowing from mature Web2 game design, creating truly playable strategy development + looting gameplay. Let players stay because it’s fun, not just because they can make money. How to maintain the economic system without relying on new players? By using Bitcoin-style halving + consumption burn mechanisms, building a sustainable deflationary model. Consumption by old players supports new output, rather than relying on new players to take over. How to make players truly trust the project team? By using VWA on-chain verification, making all key data open and transparent. The project team no longer says "trust me," but "verify for yourself." These three answers all point to one conclusion: the core of Play to Earn 3.0 is not "making money," but "sustainability." Sustainable gameplay—enough depth to make players willing to invest long-term. Sustainable economic model—deflationary mechanisms ensure token value grows over time. Most importantly—the transparent mechanism of VWA allows players to verify everything, truly returning to the essence of Web3 "trustlessness." From Axie’s "play-to-earn," to StepN’s "X-to-Earn," to Telegram games’ "Play for Airdrop," we finally see a model that does not rely on new players to take over, does not rely on continuous funding from the project team, and does not rely on narrative bubbles. This may be the future of GameFi. Bitcoin supply halves every four years Conclusion: The Next Story of Play-to-Earn The GameFi ecosystem has proven that Web3 can achieve Web2-level user scale. NOTCOIN, DOGS, Catizen—each project has contributed to this ecosystem. But the next question is: can we really get these users to stay? The Play for Airdrop model brought traffic, but traffic will eventually dissipate. Only true value creation can turn users into residents and the ecosystem into a home. COC aims to be the next chapter in this story—not attracting players with "airdrops," but retaining them with "games"; not hyping tokens with "narratives," but winning trust with "transparency." About COC (Call of Odin's Chosen): COC is a Viking-themed strategy development + looting game based on the TON ecosystem, incubated by the Catizen ecosystem. The game uses a Bitcoin-style periodic halving mechanism, with 84% of tokens distributed to players through mining. The world’s first VWA (Virtual World Asset) mechanism enables full on-chain verification of deposits/withdrawals/output/consumption/lottery. Pre-registered users are close to 2 million, and the game officially launched on November 24. First month output is 88.2 billion $COC (42% of the total), with halving every month thereafter.
When all GameFi tokens have dropped out of the TOP 100, can COC reignite the narrative with a Bitcoin economic model?
On November 27, $COC mining begins. The opportunity to mine the genesis block won't wait for anyone. On November 28, 2025, according to Coingecko data, the top GameFi token by market cap, $FLOKI, ranks 155th. The once-glorious GameFi sector has now completely fallen out of the top 100 by market cap. This is a story of collective collapse in the sector. Yet this sector was once so close to changing the world. Looking back to 2021, Axie Infinity's daily active users once surpassed 2.8 million, SLP token's daily trading volume exceeded $360 million, and stories of Filipino players supporting their families by playing games were widely circulated in the community. At that time, everyone believed that "play-to-earn" would change the gaming industry. GameFi was seen as the sexiest application scenario for blockchain technology, attracting countless capital and spawning numerous copycat projects. However, in less than a year, the bubble burst. Axie's token AXS dropped by more than 90% from its peak, SLP nearly went to zero, and the once-thriving player community collapsed overnight. For the next three years, this story kept repeating. StepN and various X-to-Earn projects followed one after another, but all ended with the same fate. In 2024, the Telegram gaming ecosystem brought new hope. Hundreds of millions of users poured in, and NOTCOIN, DOGS, and Hamster Kombat created unprecedented user scale. But after the excitement, the same problem remained—players came for airdrops and left immediately after TGE. Why did previous Play to Earn projects all fail? Where is the breakthrough? On November 24, a game called COC (Call of Odin's Chosen) gave its own answer—the world's first VWA (Virtual World Asset) mechanism, which puts all key in-game economic data on-chain for verification. This may be the true key to breaking through for Play to Earn 3.0. 1. Play to Earn 1.0: Collapse of Trust in a Black Box The failure of Axie Infinity and StepN essentially boils down to the same issue: players could not verify the promises made by project teams and could only trust unconditionally—when that trust collapsed, so did the economic model. Axie's economic system fundamentally relied on a constant influx of new players. Old players made money by breeding Axies, while new players had to buy Axies to join. When new user growth slowed, the whole system immediately fell into a death spiral. The entry cost for three Axies once reached thousands of dollars, excluding the vast majority of potential players. Eventually, participants became pure speculators rather than real gamers. SLP tokens were mainly produced through battles, but the only consumption scenario was breeding. When the number of players peaked, token output far exceeded consumption, leading to runaway inflation. But behind all these appearances, there was a more fundamental problem: all drops and rewards were calculated by the project team's servers, and players could not verify fairness, only trust the official team unconditionally. This laid the groundwork for the subsequent trust crisis. Players actively participating in Axie Infinity StepN was also part of Play to Earn 1.0. Although it tried to fix Axie's problems by expanding "play-to-earn" to running scenarios and lowering the entry barrier, making "earning" easier, at its core, it was still the same formula—new players paid for old players, just packaged as a "healthy lifestyle." GST tokens still soared and crashed, and players still came not for "fun" but for "profit." Once returns dropped, the crowd dispersed. And the fundamental problem remained: the project team still controlled all key data, and all data validation and reward calculations were centralized black boxes, leaving players at an informational disadvantage. The fatal flaw of Play to Earn 1.0 was not poor economic model design, but that in an opaque system, even the most perfect economic model was just a castle in the air. Once trust collapsed, so did token prices. 2. Play for Airdrop: The Illusion of Traffic Prosperity By 2024, the Telegram gaming ecosystem experienced explosive growth. From NOTCOIN to DOGS, from Hamster Kombat to Catizen's 35 million users, the TON ecosystem proved that Telegram could be the most powerful Web3 traffic gateway. In just one year, hundreds of millions of users poured into the on-chain world, achieving user scales that traditional game companies could only dream of, all thanks to the magic of Telegram mini-programs. This time, GameFi seemed to have found a new direction. Low barriers, zero downloads, and viral social growth—Telegram mini-programs introduced hundreds of millions of Web2 users to the crypto world for the first time. Clicker games, though simple, did attract massive user numbers. The airdrop mechanism also provided real rewards, and players did receive tokens. In 2024, TON games saw explosive growth. Leading projects attracted nearly 10 million followers on X. But after the excitement, a fatal problem emerged. Players came for airdrops and left immediately after TGE. Hamster Kombat's controversial airdrop and DOGS' rapid price drop all point to the same dilemma:Airdrop is the end point, and players cannot be retained at all. This is not an economic model collapse like Axie, nor a Ponzi scheme like StepN. Telegram games made a completely different mistake. Clicker games themselves are not fun. The simple Tap-to-Earn mechanism, while driving rapid user growth, means the only goal for players is to get the airdrop, not to enjoy the game itself. No one stays because it's "fun." Players come for airdrops and leave immediately after TGE. Hamster Kombat's controversial airdrop and DOGS' rapid price drop all point to the same dilemma: if the end of the game is the airdrop, what happens after the airdrop? This is not a problem with a particular project, but a bottleneck of the "Play for Airdrop" model itself. Project teams get short-term traffic but can't retain users, and players immediately dump tokens after receiving them. Both sides are burning trust in a zero-sum game. More crucially, data is still opaque. Even though tokens are issued on-chain, in-game output calculations, probability mechanisms, and distribution rules are still controlled by centralized servers. When Hamster Kombat's airdrop controversy erupted, the project team could not provide any verifiable evidence and could only struggle to explain amid public outcry. Players still could not verify whether they were treated fairly. Play to Earn 1.0 died from economic model collapse, while Play for Airdrop died from being unable to retain users at all. From Axie to Hamster Kombat, two generations of GameFi projects made different mistakes but ended up with the same result. 3. VWA: The Key to Breaking Through for Play to Earn 3.0 On November 24, a Telegram game called COC (Call of Odin's Chosen) officially launched. This is a Viking-themed strategy development + real-time plundering game, incubated by the Catizen ecosystem. More importantly, it attempts to systematically answer the three questions above. In the project team's whitepaper, COC defines itself as "Play to Earn 3.0"—not an empty slogan, but a fundamental solution to GameFi's trust issues based on the world's first VWA (Virtual World Asset) mechanism. What is VWA? What does Play to Earn 3.0 really mean? Simply put, VWA means putting all key in-game economic data on-chain for proof. Specifically, this includes: Deposit/withdrawal records Maritime mining output Plunder mining output $COC consumption records Time blind box lottery results Unlike traditional games where "the project team decides everything," every output, every consumption, every lottery in COC generates a verifiable on-chain record. Players can verify for themselves: Did my maritime mining rewards match the probabilities? Were the time blind box lottery results real? Were the tokens burned by the system truly destroyed? The project team cannot act maliciously: they cannot secretly change drop rates, cannot mint tokens out of thin air for insiders, and cannot hide real burn data. This level of transparency is unprecedented in GameFi history. Axie's "trust us," StepN's "data is on our servers," and Telegram games' "trust our airdrop rules" are finally replaced by "on-chain verifiability." VWA is not just a technical innovation, but a redistribution of power—from the project team to the players. This is the definition of Play to Earn 3.0: When players can verify everything, trust is no longer GameFi's Achilles' heel, but a fact written on the blockchain. 4. A Verifiable Economic Model Based on VWA Based on VWA's transparent mechanism, COC has built a truly verifiable economic model: 84% of tokens go back to players, Bitcoin-style halving controls output, and consumption and value cycles drive deflation. The goal is to create a player-driven, verifiable, and sustainable game economy. Specifically, this economic model includes the following core mechanisms: Bitcoin-style halving, reshaping the "genesis mining" narrative Unlike most projects, COC's token distribution mechanism directly borrows from Bitcoin. COC sets a fixed total supply of 210 billion tokens, never to be increased. The output schedule borrows from Bitcoin: 88.2 billion tokens (42% of total) are released in the first month, then halved every 30 days. Of the total distribution, 84% goes to players through in-game mining, with the team starting at 0%. This design directly addresses the biggest pain point of past GameFi projects—uncontrolled inflation. When token output decreases monthly, "the earlier you participate, the higher your returns" becomes a hard fact, not just marketing talk. The 42% first-month allocation means early players will receive nearly half of the tokens produced over the entire lifecycle. This is not "pie in the sky," but deterministic returns written into the smart contract. More crucially, 84% is allocated to players. Compared to traditional GameFi projects where teams and institutions often take 30-40%, COC truly returns power to the community. The project team is no longer the "house," but an auxiliary role standing with the players. Dual-track mining, balancing gameplay and returns COC's token output is divided into two modes: maritime mining (75.6%) and plunder mining (8.4%). Maritime mining: Players send ships "out to sea to explore," with settlements every 10 minutes. This is similar to Bitcoin mining—the more ships you send (the higher your hash power), the greater your chance of rewards. The system uses a "weighted lottery" mechanism to ensure fair token distribution. This design is quite clever: 90% of in-game output goes to maritime mining, 10% goes into the "plunder pool." This means even casual players who only send ships out and don't participate in PvP can still earn steady returns. Plunder mining: Players use "battle stones" to participate in in-game PvE levels, sharing a prize pool made up of 10% of all players' maritime mining output. This part emphasizes gameplay—you need to actually play and clear challenges, not just click the screen. This design breaks the old binary of "either pure idle or pure grind." Casual players can focus on maritime mining, while hardcore players can earn extra rewards through plundering. Gameplay and token output are deeply integrated for the first time. More importantly, COC's gameplay borrows from mature Web2 game design experience. Strategy development, resource allocation, real-time plundering—these addictive mechanisms, proven in WeChat mini-games, are fully transplanted into the Web3 environment. Players are not clicking just to "mine," but naturally earning tokens while enjoying the game. This is what Play to Earn should look like. Consumption-burn-return flywheel, sustainable economic cycle The death spiral of past GameFi projects stemmed from unbalanced tokenomics—output far exceeded consumption, leading to runaway inflation. COC has built a complete token circulation system. Players spend $COC to buy items, speed-ups, and draw cards, and the system automatically splits each expenditure into four parts: 36% permanently burned, sent to a black hole address 36% returned to players (via time blind box lottery) 18% goes to team operations 10% used for promotion commissions The core of this design is that every $COC spent by players is used to its fullest. 36% is permanently burned. The simplest and most direct deflationary mechanism—as the game runs, circulating supply keeps decreasing, and token scarcity increases over time. 36% goes into the blind box rebate pool. Spending equals a lottery, and every expenditure is a chance to win, forming a positive incentive. This keeps tokens circulating within the player community, not just flowing out. 18% goes to team operations. This is the most noteworthy part of COC's economic model—the team uses this income for ongoing content development and version updates. While most GameFi projects fall into a "no new content—player loss—token drop" death spiral after TGE, COC ensures development resources with real funds, directly converting player spending into game quality improvements. 10% is used for promotion commissions. Through KOL cooperation and community incentives, the player base is continuously expanded. At the same time, withdrawal fees use a time-decreasing mechanism: immediate withdrawal incurs a 50% fee, decreasing by 3% daily, dropping to 5% after 15 days. This design effectively filters out short-term arbitrage funds, keeping tokens in the hands of long-term players. From an economic model perspective, COC aims to build a positive cycle of "gameplay-driven consumption—consumption supports development—development enhances gameplay." And the fundamental difference between COC and all previous GameFi projects is—everything can be verified. Is the halving mechanism executed on time? Check on-chain. Did 84% of tokens really go to players? Check on-chain. Is the maritime mining weight calculation fair? Check on-chain. Are the plunder pool distribution rules transparent? Check on-chain. Was 36% of tokens really burned? The black hole address balance is clear at a glance. Are the time blind box lottery results real? Every record is traceable. When Axie says "trust our economic model," when StepN says "we burned X tokens," players can only choose to believe. When COC says the same thing, players can verify for themselves. This is the change brought by VWA—not a better promise, but verifiable facts. This is the core evolution from Play to Earn 1.0 to 3.0. 5. From 0 to 1 Million: Verified Growth Potential Before the game officially launched, COC's pre-registered users had already surpassed 1 million. What does this number mean? It means there is still huge demand for "real games" in the market. COC is not a clicker, nor is it a simple "Tap-to-Earn." On the surface, it looks like an idle game, but its internal strategic depth far exceeds expectations. Players need to allocate resources wisely, choose upgrade paths, decide when to go to sea, and when to plunder. The game's art style is exquisite, the Viking theme is immersive, and the gameplay itself is interesting enough—this is what a game should be. It is worth mentioning that COC writes 18% of team income into token distribution, ensuring continuous updates for future versions. Many GameFi projects die halfway because the team runs out of money to continue development. COC's design is long-term oriented—retaining players through continuous content updates, not just a one-off rush. No complicated narrative packaging, no flashy metaverse concepts, just a simple pursuit of gameplay. Let players feel growth in every choice and excitement in every contest—this is the essence of gaming. This obsession with gameplay may be exactly what past GameFi projects lacked most. COC defines itself as Play to Earn 3.0, not as a marketing concept, but as a systematic answer to three core questions: How can the value of "playing games" exceed "making money"? By borrowing from mature Web2 game design, creating truly playable strategy development + plundering gameplay. Let players stay because it's "fun," not just because they can "make money." How to maintain the economic system without relying on new players? By using Bitcoin-style halving + consumption burn mechanisms to build a sustainable deflationary model. Veteran players' spending supports new output, rather than relying on new players to take over. How can players truly trust the project team? By using VWA on-chain verification, making all key data open and transparent. The project team no longer says "trust me," but "verify for yourself." These three answers all point to one conclusion: The core of Play to Earn 3.0 is not "making money," but "sustainability." Sustainable gameplay—gameplay deep enough for players to invest long-term. Sustainable economic model—deflation ensures token value grows over time. Most importantly—the transparent VWA mechanism allows players to verify everything, truly returning to the essence of Web3 "trustlessness." From Axie's "play-to-earn," to StepN's "X-to-Earn," to Telegram games' "Play for Airdrop," we finally see a model that does not rely on new players to take over, does not rely on the project team for continuous funding, and does not rely on narrative bubbles. This may be the real future of GameFi. Bitcoin's supply halves every four years Conclusion: The Next Story of Play-to-Earn The GameFi ecosystem has come this far and has already proven that Web3 can achieve Web2-scale user numbers. NOTCOIN, DOGS, Catizen—each project has contributed to this ecosystem. But the next question is: Can we really get these users to stay? The Play for Airdrop model brought traffic, but traffic will eventually dissipate. Only real value creation can turn users into residents and the ecosystem into a home. COC aims to be the next chapter in this story—not attracting players with "airdrops," but retaining them with "games"; not hyping tokens with "narratives," but winning trust with "transparency." On November 27, $COC mining begins. The first month's 42% output window lasts only 30 days. The opportunity to mine the genesis block won't wait for anyone. About COC (Call of Odin's Chosen): COC is a Viking-themed strategy development + plundering game based on the TON ecosystem, incubated by the Catizen ecosystem. The game uses a Bitcoin-style periodic halving mechanism, with 84% of tokens distributed to players through mining. It is the world's first to implement the VWA (Virtual World Asset) mechanism, enabling on-chain verification of the entire process of deposit/withdrawal/output/consumption/lottery. Pre-registered users are close to 2 million. The game officially launched on November 24, and mining begins on November 27. The first month's output is 88.2 billion $COC (42% of the total), with halving every month thereafter. For more information, please refer to the project whitepaper.
Token allocation causes controversy: The once-popular fascia gun hamster game "Hamster Kombat" has still managed to offend players.
Whether you are one of the devoted players of Hamster Kombat, the click-to-earn game based on Telegram, or completely indifferent to it, the hype surrounding this game since its launch in spring this year has been very real. With Notcoin as a successful predecessor, ever since Hamster Kombat reached tens of millions of registered accounts, most news about the game has focused on the launch and price predictions of its native token, HMSTR. Now, as the first season ends since its March launch, players have begun accusing the team of unfair treatment and making false promises. As of last weekend, as part of the game's promised reward system, resources accumulated by players have been converted into HMSTR tokens, which are expected to be distributed as airdropped tokens at TGE. The game team also revealed more information about token supply and allocation in posts on X. The team stated that out of the planned 100 billion HMSTR tokens to be minted, 75% will be reserved for the community, and 60% of the tokens will be distributed to the game's users at the end of the first season. According to the team's posts on X, this kind of "hamster math" continues: of the 60% of HMSTR tokens allocated to users, 88.75% will be distributed during this week's token airdrop and listing, while the remaining portion will be locked and can only be unlocked 10 months after the token is listed on exchanges. The team also promised to airdrop an additional 15% of the 100 billion tokens during the upcoming second season of Hamster Kombat. Since March, according to the Hamster Kombat team, the game has had as many as 300 million users. Among these users, only a little over half—131 million players—are eligible to receive token rewards in the much-anticipated airdrop, which is officially scheduled for September 26. In addition, 2.3 million players have been identified as cheaters and are completely banned from participating in the token distribution. Disappointing Token Allocation Since the Hamster Kombat team released its announcement on Sunday, many users have taken to X to express their dissatisfaction with the token allocation process and criteria, feeling that the number of tokens they received was far less than the time and effort they invested. The HMSTR token will be listed and open for trading on exchanges later this week after the airdrop, but several major exchanges have already launched pre-market spot and futures trading for HMSTR tokens. Its price ranges from 0.01 USDT to 0.1 USDT on different platforms, leaving players confused about the actual value of the tokens they have been allocated. Judging from community comments, based on the highest USDT price on various exchanges, the average user earned less than $50 for hundreds of hours of gameplay. A player in the Telegram community, nicknamed Timbo, said he had played the game almost from the very beginning, spending about 4-5 hours a day for two months, and earned about 500 tokens. Over time, as the hype around the game and the upcoming token grew, more and more players were promised token allocations at launch. "As time went on, my interest gradually faded. The game itself wasn't that fun. As for potential earnings, I didn't expect much—the number of players had become so huge that everyone needed to be rewarded," Timbo said. Controversy Over "Cheater" Determination An even bigger wave of negative sentiment was triggered when Hamster Kombat announced the exclusion of 2.3 million players from token distribution. According to the project team, the ban was to counter users who allegedly tried to gain in-game benefits through improper means, such as clicking on multiple devices, playing from different accounts, or cheating through referrals. The team also gave examples: "One person connected over 400 accounts to the same Binance address, another invited nearly 2,000 'friends,' all of whom were flagged by our anti-cheat system." However, some of these cheating criteria seem quite controversial. One of the most shocking penalties was for purchasing keys. Keys, an important game item introduced later, also carry significant weight in the airdrop. According to the game rules, users need to complete a mini-game to obtain keys, but some players chose to pay directly to buy them, skipping the mini-game. The Hamster Kombat game system allowed users to purchase keys without any warning or explanation that this was a violation. However, this behavior was apparently deemed "cheating" in the airdrop and reportedly led to players being banned from receiving tokens. Several members of the Hamster Kombat Telegram chat group posted a message, which included the following: "Some of my friends did nothing wrong, yet were mistakenly listed as cheaters. This injustice seriously damages the community's trust and creates an atmosphere of distrust." Players identified by the project as violating so-called "game rules" received only a simple status at the end of the first season: "Cheating is bad." The Hamster Kombat community's Telegram group was immediately flooded with complaints, with many considering the allocation criteria unfair and demanding that admins reconsider and redistribute the tokens. Users on Telegram were unhappy about being labeled as cheaters at the end of the season, pointing out that they had spent a lot of time on the game. "At the beginning of the project, no one knew what would be considered a violation, and at the end of the project, suddenly there was a ban, using ridiculous excuses to distribute tokens to fewer people." One self-proclaimed player complained on X that they had played for four months, collected over 200 keys, earned 8.36 million HMSTR per hour, set alarms, and tracked card 'up times.' "Now you tell me I don't deserve it. Hamster (Hamster Kombat) is a scam." Meanwhile, the hashtag #boycotthamsterkombat is trending on X—with more than 22,000 posts at the time of writing. How Is Token Allocation Determined? According to community reports, the number of tokens players receive is determined by the following criteria: The number of coins collected by the user during the entire period The number of friends the user invited to join the game The number of coins the user earned through passive income The number of keys the user won in mini-games The number of daily tasks the user completed Tokens in the Hamster Kombat game are divided into several categories: total HMSTR, claimed, next unlock, and unclaimed. However, the game does not provide explanations for these different categories. It turns out that the most important task in determining the number of tokens each player receives is not the passive income HMSTR tokens earned by playing the game, but the number of friends invited through referral links. Judging from comments on social media, ordinary users are most dissatisfied with the token allocation logic, as they spent a lot of time actually playing the game, trying to get into the top 100 players, completing tasks, etc. These players are the core of the community and may not have the broad social networks of YouTube influencers, who can earn more tokens by inviting "friends" through referral links. Did Hamster Kombat deceive everyone? With its large-scale token distribution plan and reported user statistics, the game is still expected to achieve the largest airdrop in the crypto space. Players who have linked their wallets to their Hamster Kombat accounts are expected to receive their allocated tokens in this week's airdrop, after which they can trade them on major exchanges such as Binance and OKX. Given the reportedly massive user base playing Hamster Kombat, it may not be surprising that players received fewer tokens than expected. With the total token supply capped at 100 billion and hundreds of millions of reported users, the math becomes at least somewhat clear, though it is disappointing for most players. In any case, the fiat value of users' earnings will only become truly clear when the HMSTR token is listed for spot trading on September 26 and players actually receive their long-awaited tokens. Russian Expert Says Token Will Face Selling Pressure According to RTVI, Viktor Pershikov, an independent expert in combating financial crime in the crypto field, said that those "who hoped to get rich by playing Hamster Kombat" "found their expectations dashed." The media outlet noted that many were disappointed to learn that "after playing the game for several months," their efforts "only earned them $5 to $15." Pershikov also stated that the game and its team "never promised to make anyone rich," and when players finally start trading their HMSTR tokens for fiat, the token price "will face pressure." Telegram is the preferred chat app for most Russian citizens, and the viral Hamster Kombat is naturally very popular in Russia. Some players in the country even purchased massage guns to enhance their tapping abilities. Many e-commerce sellers have also promoted the use of massage guns for "tapping hamsters," driving sales growth of these devices on Russian e-commerce platforms. Russian information and socio-political e-newspaper Fontanka.ru reported on Hamster Kombat on September 22, stating that one of its employees' "eight-year-old son" had "mined" "bitcoin" for a total of 120 days. In the end, the boy's "income was about 4.3 rubles ($0.046)." Some commenters expressed their dissatisfaction in the comments section of the Fontanka.ru article, with one Russian social media user lamenting: "How did we go from being the most well-read and highly educated country in the world to what we are today?"
Notcoin price rebounds: oversold bounce or bear trap?
Notcoin (NOT) price rebounds 2% but still trades far below key averages. Community hype fuels optimism despite weak liquidity. TON ecosystem buzz adds short-term speculative support. Notcoin price has rebounded by around 2% today, breaking the long bearish trend that has weighed the altcoin down from the long-awaited price recovery. The modest uptick comes after weeks of pressure that pushed NOT toward fresh multi-month lows. Early September brought a short-lived surge from $0.001619 to $0.002043 on September 13, but that rally faded quickly, and the token slid back, hitting an all-time low of $0.0016 on September 22, 2025. The Telegram-linked coin now trades near $0.001678 with a market capitalisation of roughly $167.4 million and daily volumes approaching $27 million, figures that underline both renewed interest and fragile liquidity. Technical bounce or false dawn? Technically, the price action has characteristics of a short-term rebound. Notcoin price analysis | Source: CoinMarketCap The RSI on the 3-hour chart has risen from deeply oversold territory to about 34.94, while the MACD histogram has flattened and turned marginally less negative, signalling that traders have interpreted this as a cue for bargain hunting. Structural momentum also looks weak. NOT sits below its key short-term averages, with the 7-day SMA sitting near $0.001644 and the 30-day EMA at around $0.001773. Support holds near $0.00166, and a drop under $0.00155 would expose the token to the risk of fresh lows. Community and TON tailwinds Part of the rebound reflects social momentum and ecosystem spillover rather than fundamental upgrades. Notcoin’s backers highlight a massive Telegram-driven holder base and a narrative of near-full circulation — roughly 97% of the max supply is already in the market — as reasons to expect lower future sell pressure. That scarcity storyline has animated forums and encouraged accumulation despite macro headwinds. Ecosystem headlines have helped, too. The success of TON-focused projects such as Hamster Kombat has driven renewed interest in TON-linked tokens, and Notcoin’s perceived proximity to Telegram’s user base has fed bullish chatter. This tailwind is speculative by nature: the coin benefits from association with TON’s growth, yet it has no formal partnership that would guarantee sustained flows. Notcoin price forecast Optimistic price targets have proliferated, with some analysts and community voices citing forecasts of a tenfold move to roughly $0.022 by 2025. Those predictions hinge on aggressive listings, continued viral adoption across Telegram, and the rollout of mini-apps and game-fi features. At the same time, rational scepticism remains warranted: dilution risk from remaining tokens, limited on-chain utility today, and thin liquidity make lofty targets contingent rather than probable. Traders should watch three things closely: whether NOT can reclaim and hold the $0.00187 area, daily traded volume that helps sustain rallies, and broader crypto market dynamics, including Bitcoin dominance . Notably, rising volume accompanying gains would lend credibility to the current bounce, while a weak volume would point to a likely retracement towards further lows.
TON’s DeFi is the next big thing?
Let’s start with the numbers! Last year, TON blockchain came bursting into the crypto industry like a whirlwind. The main engine was the gaming, a bunch of viral tap-to-earn games on Telegram, yes, those addictively simple games like Hamster Kombat and Notcoin that sucked in millions. By September, daily active wallets hit almost 2 million. Gaming hype The CEO of STON.fi , Slavik Baranov just shared an opinion piece, published by the Cryptoslate, and let me tell you, there are some pretty interesting thoughts that makes you think. Firts, the big hype usually comes from the DeFi sector, but as Baranov mentioned, not this time. The magic of TON , the hype was a flashy firework show, not the slow burn that builds empires. Of course, most gamers logged off when the freebies ran out, no surprise. Speculative money? Just as quick to bounce. After the game lights dimmed, things settled. The daily active wallets shrank but held steady around 100,000 to 200,000, way beyond the 26,000-before-hype days. That’s like a team regrouping after a loss and coming back stronger. And the DeFi world on TON got serious, protocols jumped from 35 to 67, nearly doubling the ecosystem’s muscle. It signaled a shift towards real, lasting financial tools. One billion users TON’s DeFi now boasts token swaps, staking, and lending protocols worthy of respect. Early star? EVAA kicked off lending in early 2024. Not far behind, the AMM protocol STON.fi amassed close to $400 million in liquidity. Source: DefiLlama By summer’s peak, TVL hit $1.1 billion! Now? It hangs around $400 million, reflecting a natural ebb as those tempting incentives faded. TON’s architecture is no lightweight. Designed for scale, but its complex, low-level setup. Developers have to build many things from scratch, slowing early growth but promising sturdier, slicker services down the line. Plus, being tied to Telegram, one billion users strong, is both a golden ticket and a tightrope walk. Any Telegram hiccup sends ripples through TON’s waters. Institutional interest The bright side? Baranov highlighted that institutional heavyweights are throwing their chips in. Big time. Sequoia, Draper, and others invested in Toncoin, and Standard Chartered’s Zodia Custody backs Ton’s assets for big players. Just last July, The Open Platform raised a juicy $28.5 million with a $1 billion valuation. They’re a nod that TON’s more than a passing fad. So, the goal is clear, turn Telegram from gaming hotspot to financial powerhouse by making crypto payments feel as easy as sending a text. Imagine paying your café tab or borrowing microloans without leaving the chat window. It could be the future. Written by András Mészáros Cryptocurrency and Web3 expert, founder of Kriptoworld More articles With years of experience covering the blockchain space, András delivers insightful reporting on DeFi, tokenization, altcoins, and crypto regulations shaping the digital economy.
Is TON’s DeFi ready to lead a true financial revolution?
The following is a guest post and opinion from Slavik Baranov, CEO at STON.fi Dev. From Gaming Phenomenon to Financial Ambition In 2024, the TON blockchain became one of the most talked-about ecosystems in crypto — not because of a groundbreaking DeFi protocol, but thanks to the meteoric rise of viral tap-to-earn games on Telegram. Titles like Hamster Kombat and Notcoin drew millions virtually overnight, pushing daily active wallets to nearly 2 million by September. Telegram Active Daily Wallets (source: Tonstat). The surge proved TON can onboard users at a pace few blockchains can match. But it also exposed the fragility of hype-driven adoption: many players came for quick rewards and left when incentives ended. Speculative capital — fluid and opportunistic by nature — followed the same path. Games showed TON’s reach. But they were never meant to be the foundation of a financial revolution. The Lasting Impact of the Hype Cycle The post-game cooldown wasn’t a collapse; it was a reset. In January 2024, before the gaming boom, TON averaged 26,000 daily active wallets. After the dust settled, activity stabilized at 100,000–200,000 — a multiple of its pre-hype base. Even more importantly, developer and user inflows seeded growth across the ecosystem. The number of DeFi protocols on TON rose from 35 to 67 in 2024 — a 91% increase. This expansion reflects a gradual shift in focus from short-lived promotions to enduring financial infrastructure. Building TON’s DeFi Landscape TON’s DeFi sector now spans token swaps, staking, and lending. In early 2024, EVAA launched as the first lending protocol. By late summer, AMM protocol STON.fi had reached nearly $400 million in liquidity. Today, the leaders by total value locked (TVL) are the liquid staking protocol Tonstakers and the swap protocol STON.fi, reflecting user preference for core, high-liquidity services. Fueled by gaming-related excitement, total value locked (TVL) across the network peaked at $1.1 billion in July 2024. But as incentive programs ended, TVL declined to around $600 million by early 2025 and now stands near $400 million. DeFi TVL (source: DefiLlama) These movements suggest that part of TON’s liquidity was influenced by short-term market dynamics. Funds tended to flow in during periods of attractive yields and gradually taper off as those opportunities diminished. By the end of 2024, TON had nearly 38 million addresses, yet new wallet creation fell sharply — from 724,000 daily in autumn to just 33,000 in early 2025. Meanwhile, staking emerged as a safe haven: around 790 million TON are currently staked, concentrating liquidity in lower-risk, base-layer protocols. Why the Revolution Hasn’t Happened Yet Compared with Ethereum or Solana, TON’s liquidity depth and range of products are still developing. Part of this difference stems from its underlying design. TON’s architecture was created with massive scalability in mind, leading to technically elegant but more complex infrastructure for developers. Smart contracts on TON use a low-level language, and many core components require building from the ground up, which may have contributed to a more gradual pace of DeFi development in its early years. The trade-off? Low-level development can produce more efficient, resilient solutions over time. TON’s core team is actively reducing friction for builders, paving the way for faster growth. Another factor is ecosystem dependence on Telegram. On one hand, this integration gives TON direct access to over 1 billion users and tangible utility — since 2024, Telegram channel owners have been able to receive ad revenue payouts in TON. On the other hand, it creates a single point of exposure: any disruption in Telegram instantly impacts TON. For now, many average users still see Telegram mini-apps as casual games rather than financial tools. Without broadening beyond entertainment use cases, TON’s appeal to institutional capital remains constrained. Unlocking TON’s DeFi Potential The path forward is clear: expand beyond hype cycles and deliver mass-market financial services seamlessly integrated into the Telegram experience. This could mean: Frictionless payments — sending crypto in a Telegram chat as easily as a text message. Everyday utility — paying for goods, services, or restaurant bills in TON-based tokens. Accessible lending — offering microloans and credit solutions in regions underserved by banks. If executed well, these use cases could transform TON from a viral gaming phenomenon into a primary interface for global crypto adoption. Signals of Institutional Confidence Institutional investment is already validating TON’s potential. In March 2024, major players including Sequoia Capital, Draper Associates, Kingsway, CoinFund, Ribbit, and Skybridge invested in Toncoin. In January 2025, Zodia Custody (a subsidiary of Standard Chartered) announced support for TON’s Jetton token standard, enabling banks and large investors to securely hold and manage TON assets. And in July 2025, The Open Platform — a developer of Telegram-based protocols and apps built on TON — secured $28.5 million at a $1 billion valuation from leading funds Ribbit Capital and Pantera Capital. Conclusion: From Potential to Reality The explosive growth of 2024 proved that pairing Telegram’s reach with blockchain’s capabilities can move markets. But true transformation will come only when TON evolves from a hype-fueled onramp into a robust financial ecosystem. The fundamentals are in place: a growing developer base, improving infrastructure, and unprecedented distribution through Telegram. If TON’s DeFi sector can simplify the user experience and deliver essential, in-demand services where users already are, it won’t just participate in the future of digital finance — it could help define it. The post Is TON’s DeFi ready to lead a true financial revolution? appeared first on CryptoSlate.
HMSTR Drops 217.98% in 24 Hours Amid Sharp Market Correction
On AUG 29 2025, HMSTR plummeted by 217.98% in a 24-hour window, settling at $0.000713. The token has continued to underperform across multiple timeframes, falling by 464.81% over seven days, 336.47% in one month, and an astonishing 7588.99% year-to-date. The rapid decline underscores the heightened volatility and fragility of the asset in its current market environment. Technical analysis reveals that HMSTR has failed to recover above critical moving averages, indicating a strong bearish momentum. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dropped to extremely oversold levels, while the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) shows a deepening bearish crossover. These indicators suggest continued downward pressure in the near term, absent a significant external catalyst. The broader market context remains muted, with HMSTR performing well below the average drawdown of comparable tokens in recent cycles. Investors who had previously positioned for a rebound have largely exited, contributing to liquidity compression and further price erosion. Analysts project that institutional activity will remain minimal unless there is a clear reversal in the token's fundamentals, which have yet to materialize. HMSTR’s collapse aligns with a broader trend of speculative assets experiencing heightened drawdowns amid shifting investor sentiment and macroeconomic uncertainty. The lack of a defined bottoming pattern in the price structure suggests that the asset could face extended volatility in the coming weeks. Backtest Hypothesis To evaluate potential trading strategies in light of HMSTR’s recent behavior, a backtesting framework could be structured around specific market triggers. A common approach is to define a "down 10%" threshold as the entry signal. In this case, the event could be defined as a daily price drop of 10% or more from the previous day’s close. Upon triggering, a position could be opened in HMSTR at the next available price (e.g., the next trading day’s open). The exit criteria can vary depending on the investor’s risk tolerance and objectives. A basic strategy might involve holding the position for a fixed period, such as five trading days, regardless of performance. Alternatively, more sophisticated strategies could incorporate a stop-loss at 10% below the entry price or a target profit level set at a predetermined percentage gain. If the objective is to test HMSTR itself as the asset of interest, the strategy would execute trades directly in the token. However, it’s also possible to evaluate how correlated assets respond to HMSTR’s drop, though this requires additional data on related instruments. Risk controls are essential in managing exposure, especially in volatile assets like HMSTR. A typical inclusion might involve a 10% stop-loss, a 5% target take-profit, and a maximum holding period of five days. These parameters help mitigate the risk of extended drawdowns while maintaining a balanced approach to capturing potential rebounds.
HMSTR -13.67% on Sharp Sell-Off Amid Broader Market Weakness
On AUG 28 2025, HMSTR dropped by 27.25% within 24 hours to reach $0.000712, HMSTR dropped by 278.88% within 7 days, dropped by 148.05% within 1 month, and dropped by 7541.97% within 1 year. The decline in HMSTR’s price is part of a broader bearish trend affecting the broader market, with investors adopting a cautious stance amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties. Technical analysis of HMSTR’s price action over the past 72 hours has shown a breakdown below key support levels, reinforcing the bearish sentiment. The RSI and MACD indicators have both entered overbought territory, suggesting a high probability of continued downward movement unless a strong buying pressure emerges. Analysts project that HMSTR could test critical levels at $0.000625 in the short term, with further support expected around $0.000540. These levels are based on historical price behavior and current order book imbalances. A breakdown below $0.000540 could trigger increased volatility and attract algorithmic sell-offs, potentially accelerating the decline. Backtest Hypothesis To assess potential price behavior in a controlled environment, a backtesting strategy was proposed based on HMSTR’s recent technical patterns. The strategy utilizes a combination of moving average crossovers and RSI thresholds to generate sell signals during bearish trends. The hypothesis suggests that applying this system in real-time could have reduced exposure during the recent sharp drawdown. A successful implementation would require precise trigger points and risk management rules to avoid false signals during volatile periods.
Top 3 Altcoins Trending in Nigeria Today
The global crypto market is showing early signs of recovery today, with top assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum posting modest gains over the past 24 hours. Retail interest in Nigeria, where local traders continue to drive significant search and social activity around emerging tokens, is also picking up. Based on online engagement over the last 24 hours, here are the top three trending cryptocurrencies in the region. Notcoin (NOT) Telegram-linked altcoin NOT is one of the most searched assets in Nigeria today. At press time, the token trades at $0.0019, down 1% over the past day. During this period, NOT’s trading volume has declined by over 30%, showing a notable drop in market demand, even as the broader crypto market attempts a modest recovery. A simultaneous decrease in an asset’s price and trading volume signals waning interest or consolidation. It suggests that buyers are stepping back, and momentum is fading. If this continues, the altcoin risks plunging toward $0.0018. NOT Price Analysis. Source: TradingView On the other hand, if buying pressure rises, the token’s price could climb to $0.0021. Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) Since peaking at an intraday high of $0.0025 on June 9, HMSTR, one of the altcoins trending in Nigeria today, has lost 60% of its value. At press time, the meme coin trades at $0.00080, down 2% over the past day. On the daily chart, the token’s BBTrend confirms the bearish trend. Since May 30, this momentum indicator has posted only red histogram bars, highlighting the prolonged sell-side pressure. At press time, it stands at -24.82. The BBTrend measures the strength and direction of a trend based on the expansion and contraction of Bollinger Bands. When it returns red bars, it signals strong bearish momentum, indicating that the price is consistently closing near or below the lower Bollinger Band. This suggests sustained downward pressure and a lack of bullish reversal signals in the short term for HMSTR. In this case, its price could fall to revisit its all-time low of $0.00076. HMSTR Price Analysis. Source: TradingView However, if HMSTR sees a surge in demand, it could rebound toward $0.00094. Zen AI (ZENAI) ZENAI is another altcoin trending in Nigeria today. Down 27%, it exchanges hands at $0.0013 at the time of writing. The ZENAI token, which launched on June 3, 2025, through Pump.fun, captured market attention as its holder count and trading volume surged. By June 8, it had soared to an all-time high of $0.00042. However, following the rally, a wave of profit-taking triggered a sharp correction, with the token now down more than 60% from its peak. If selloffs continue, ZENAI could drop to $0.000093. ZENAI Price Analysis. Source: TradingView Conversely, if the market sentiments shift and demand rises, the token’s value could climb to $0.0016.
Telegram's Pavel Durov allowed to leave France for second time since his August 2024 detention: report
French authorities permitted Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov to leave France for the second time since his August 2024 detention, as he is under investigation for the alleged illicit activity on the messaging platform. Durov can travel only to Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered, and only for 14 consecutive days starting on July 10, French newspaper Le Monde reported Thursday. In March, French authorities allowed Durov to travel to Dubai for only a few weeks. Aside from business matters, Durov has personal reasons to travel to Dubai. "I have a son who was just born and I'm missing the first months of his life. He still doesn't have a passport, because I wasn't present at his birth in Dubai. I also have a teenage son who is in a boarding school in Dubai, who just broke his arm, and who has no parent by his side to support him," Durov told the conservative French newspaper Le Point. Agents of France's National Anti-Fraud Office arrested Durov on Aug. 24, 2024, related to a large-scale cybercrime investigation, alleging the Telegram CEO enabled illicit activities such as providing cryptography tools and services, spreading pornographic materials of minors, and money laundering, The Block previously reported. Telegram is a secure messaging platform that supports the Layer 1 blockchain The Open Network ( TON ). The network's native token, Toncoin, traded at $2.93 as of writing and recorded $128.4 million in trading volume in the past day, The Block's TON Price Page shows. The token maintains a market capitalization of $7.2 billion. Toncoin and TON saw rapid growth in the summer of 2024, largely due to blockchain-based mini apps, such as Hamster Kombat and Notcoin , within the messaging platform. The number of active TON addresses peaked at 1.44 million on Oct. 2, 2024, and now sits at 130,000 as of June 17, The Block's Data Dashboard shows.
Iran’s Crypto Exchange Loses $82 Million in Hack from Israeli Attackers
Key Notes Investigators revealed the use of vanity addresses for the exploit, with one address stealing $49 million initially. Nobitex confirmed the "security incident," claiming that only hot wallet assets were affected and user funds in cold storage remained safe. The pro-Israel hacker group Gonjeshke Darande, or Predatory Sparrow, claimed responsibility for the attack, accusing Nobitex of aiding Iran in evading sanctions. Nobitex, an Iran-based crypto exchange, lost a massive $82 million in crypto following a recent attack allegedly by Israeli attackers. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT disclosed details of this attack, noting that the attackers drained this massive sum by stealing assets across the Tron Network and other Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible blockchains. According to @zachxbt , the pro-Israel hacker group Gonjeshke Darande attacked the Iranian crypto exchange #Nobitex and stole $82M in assets. Including 55M $USDT , 39.41M $DOGE ($6.72M) 255.65 B $PEPE ($2.61M) 18.47 $BTC ($1.94M) … Source: https://t.co/efpjFCKytI Attacker… pic.twitter.com/y21WIuf9kG — Lookonchain (@lookonchain) June 18, 2025 The blockchain investigator also noted that attackers have been leveraging a “vanity address” in order to exploit the protocol, which led to “suspicious outflows” from several wallets linked to Nobitex. A vanity address is a customized public wallet address featuring a specific, user-defined sequence of characters. Moreover, the attackers stole the initial $49 million by using the vanity address “TKFuckiRGCTerroristsNoBiTEXy2r7mNX”. However, data from Tronscan also shows that the second address involved in the exploit was “0xffFFfFFffFFffFfFffFFfFfFfFFFFfFfFFFFDead.” Iranian Crypto Exchange Nobitex Assures Funds Are SAFU Iranian crypto exchange Nobitex acknowledged the “security incident,” stating that losses were confined to “a portion of hot wallet assets,” with user funds reportedly secure in cold storage. Earlier today, the exchange announced that it had detected unauthorized access to its reporting infrastructure and hot wallet . In a post on X, Nobitex confirmed it had promptly suspended access and reassured users that their assets remained safe. Nobitex noted : Related article: Iranian Government Slams Hamster Kombat as Google Searches Surpass Bitcoin “Immediately upon detection, all access was suspended, and our internal security teams are closely investigating the extent of the incident. We would like to remind you that users’ assets are completely secure, adhering to cold storage standards. The above incident only affected a portion of the assets in hot wallets. However, the platform hasn’t publicly revealed specifics about the stolen assets or the alleged perpetrators.” Who Is Behind the Hack? The hacker group Gonjeshke Darande, also known as Predatory Sparrow and allegedly linked to pro-Israel interests, has claimed responsibility for the Nobitex crypto hack. In a post on their X account, they stated, “We, ‘Gonjeshke Darande,’ conducted cyberattacks against Nobitex.” پس از بانک سپه، نوبت Nobitex شد هشدار! در 24 ساعت آینده، کد منبع نوبیتکس و اطلاعات داخلی از شبکه داخلی آن را منتشر خواهیم کرد. هر دارایی که پس از آن در آنجا باقی بماند در معرض خطر خواهد بود! صرافی نوبیتکس در قلب تلاش های رژیم برای تامین مالی ترور در سراسر جهان قرار دارد. این… pic.twitter.com/IXoFrQBlAK — Gonjeshke Darande (@GonjeshkeDarand) June 18, 2025 Additionally, the hackers also accused Nobitex of assisting the Iranian regime in evading sanctions, while alleging that the Iranian crypto exchange played a critical role in supporting the government’s financial and military activities. The attackers issued a warning, threatening to release Nobitex’s internal source code and data within 24 hours while cautioning users that any assets still on the platform after the deadline would be at risk. next Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
Hamster Kombat Tanks 27%, Are HMSTR HODLers Rekt?
Key Notes HMSTR crashed to $0.00107, shedding over 60% in a month. Whale dumps and in-game token claims are driving massive sell-offs. Technical indicators show extreme overselling but no reversal yet. Hamster Kombat HMSTR $0.00104 24h volatility: 18.9% Market cap: $66.94 M Vol. 24h: $147.61 M , once a viral sensation in the GameFi space, is now facing a brutal market correction. As of writing, HMSTR is trading at around $0.00107, down by 27% in the last 24 hours. The token lost around $25 million in market capitalization on Thursday, which currently stands near $69 million. CoinMarketCap data shows that HMSTR’s 24-hour trading volume surged by over 266%, signaling panic-driven activity among investors. Pressures Behind the Collapse After peaking at $0.0028 on May 11, HMSTR has seen a dramatic 60% value drop over the past month. Several factors have triggered this rapid downfall. Why Is Hamster Kombat ($HMSTR) Crashing? 🤯 After one of the year’s most hyped airdrops, $HMSTR is now tanking hard. 📉 Here’s why: • Airdrop Sell Pressure: 131M+ users got free tokens – many are dumping fast. • Whale Activity: Top wallets (likely insiders) are offloading… pic.twitter.com/1CHnBIWlpI — cryptophilip 🚀💯 (@FaschingPhilip) June 9, 2025 Analysts suggest that whale wallets have recently offloaded large quantities of HMSTR tokens, sparking mass liquidations from smaller holders. These high-volume dumps are affecting market demand and investor confidence. Overhype surrounding the project has also played a major role in the recent price drop. While Hamster Kombat initially went viral with its tap-to-earn gameplay, it failed to release any solid roadmap or ecosystem development. This created a mismatch between expectations and delivery. The Hamster Kombat community is also frustrated with the stalled rumors of a Binance listing . While the users had been banking on a major exchange debut, no confirmation arrived, leading to bearish sentiment. Moreover, the claimability of in-game mined tokens resulted in a sudden influx of supply. HMSTR’s weak tokenomics, including a circulating supply of 64 billion out of a 100 billion max, amplifies sell pressure. HMSTR Price Outlook On the daily HMSTR price chart, the RSI is at 13.95, indicating extremely oversold conditions. While this often hints at a potential short-term rebound, there’s no sign of momentum reversal yet. If the token manages to start an upward rally, the immediate resistance lies at $0.00125. HMSTR price chart with RSI and Bollinger Bands | Source: TradingView Meanwhile, the price action is violently breaching the lower Bollinger Band, which typically indicates strong downward momentum. The current price of $0.001065 sits far below the 20-day simple moving average (~$0.0019), confirming persistent bearish sentiment. A continued break below $0.001 could lead HMSTR to further downside toward $0.0005. Solaxy ($SOLX) Presale Gains Momentum As HMSTR navigates market volatility, Solaxy (SOLX) emerges as an innovative blockchain solution aimed at enhancing the performance and scalability of the Solana network. Solaxy is developed to address prevalent challenges such as network congestion, scalability limitations, and transaction unreliability. These issues commonly arise during periods of elevated network activity. Solaxy aims to reduce failed transactions by processing them off-chain and consolidating them into optimized batches, with final settlement occurring on Solana’s mainnet. SOLX Presale and Tokenomics The team is currently conducting a crypto presale for SOLX, the project’s native token, to support early investors. Solaxy presently offers an attractive 103% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) to holders for staking their assets. Solaxy Presale Details: Token price: $0.001754 Funds secured: $47.8 million Accepted payment methods: Cryptocurrency, Card Ticker: SOLX Following the presale, the SOLX token will be deployed across multiple chains. This deployment will enable holders to bridge their tokens to the Solaxy Layer 2 blockchain. The token will subsequently be available for trading on both centralized and decentralized exchanges. For investors seeking long-term projects built on the Solana ecosystem, Solaxy represents a compelling opportunity. next Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
Top Telegram Apps Coins Today by Market Cap: Price Trends and Trading Behavior
Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) holds steady at $0.002032 amid sideways movement, supported by $130.83M market cap and moderate 8.22% liquidity ratio. PAAL AI (PAAL) jumps 2.84% with nearly full token circulation and growing holder base of 59.35K wallets. ChainGPT (CGPT) rebounds strongly, closing at $0.1186 with a perfect profile score and 84.47K holders backing its momentum. The Telegram-powered crypto scene is heating up as top tokens like Hamster Kombat, PAAL AI, ChainGPT, and Banana Gun showcase diverse trading market cap behaviors. While some are battling resistance, others are pushing higher with bullish momentum. With price volatility, strong liquidity, and rising community numbers, these Telegram-based coins continue to dominate trader attention across the market. Hamster Kombat Records Sideways Action with Moderate Liquidity Source : CoinMarketcap Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) continues to maintain its position among Telegram-based crypto assets, despite showing signs of minor bearish movement in the last 24 hours. The token fell by 0.79% within the previous day and finally traded at $0.002032. Throughout the day, trading saw ups and downs and the token moved between about $0.00198 and $0.00206. This implies that no one is dominating the trade and the $0.002 level is being supported by both buyers and sellers. Because of its market capitalization of $130.83 million, the project is regarded as one of the top-ranked Telegram ecosystem assets. However, the trading volume dropped by over 43%, totaling $10.78 million for the day. With a volume-to-market cap ratio of 8.22%, the liquidity remains moderate. The total supply of HMSTR is capped at 100 billion tokens, and the current circulating supply stands at 64.37 billion tokens. PAAL AI(PAAL): Maintains Bullish Momentum Despite Lower Volume Source : CoinMarketCap PAAL AI (PAAL) posted a 2.84% daily gain, closing at $0.1216. The token opened near $0.1182 and steadily increased through the trading day, forming higher lows and higher highs on the price chart. This pattern signifies a consistent upward trend supported by organic buyer interest.Still, PAAL’s volume for the day was only $6.73 million, down 18.95% from the previous day which implies that people are now holding their coins for longer or reducing their speculative positions. The project has a market capitalization of $118.32 million and its fully diluted valuation (FDV) is $121.6 million. The 973.02 million out of 1 billion tokens available show a minimum risk of inflation, since the majority have already been circulated. The token is held by over 59,000 wallet addresses, showing strong community engagement. ChainGPT(CGPT): Shows Rebound Strength with Strong Market Cap Support Source : CoinMarketcap ChainGPT (CGPT) marked a 2.06% increase over the last 24 hours, bringing its price to $0.1186. The token experienced an initial decline to a low of $0.112 but rebounded through the rest of the session to close at the daily high. This recovery indicates significant buyer support following early market weakness. The market capitalization rose to $97.66 million, supported by an unlocked valuation of $99.32 million. The trading volume for the day fell to $11.96 million, a 43.40% drop. Still, the volume-to-market cap ratio of 12.19% indicates active trading relative to its market size. The token’s supply is well distributed, with 823.27 million CGPT in circulation out of a near-total supply of 997.85 million. Its fully diluted valuation sits at $119.17 million. Banana Gun Trades with High Volatility, Closes Slightly Positive Source: CoinMarketcap Banana Gun (BANANA) experienced significant price swings throughout the trading session. It began the day at $22.08 before falling below $20.75 and eventually recovering to close at $21.97, reflecting a 0.72% daily gain. The late-session recovery points to renewed buying pressure after early market weakness. The project holds a market capitalization of $87.5 million and a fully diluted valuation of $220.43 million. The token’s 24-hour trading volume declined by 37.44%, totaling $13.44 million. Still, its volume-to-market cap ratio of 15.31% indicates strong activity. The current circulating supply is 3.98 million BANANA, with a total and max supply of 8.45 million and 10 million respectively. This puts the circulating supply at around 47%, which could introduce inflationary risk if more tokens are unlocked.
Toncoin Soars Amid Telegram Musk xAI Deal, $1.5 Billion Bond Sale Report
The Open Network's Toncoin was up nearly 12% on Wednesday amid a report that its affiliated messaging platform Telegram is reportedly eyeing a $1.5 billion raise and an announcement that the firm had struck a $300 million deal with Elon Musk's xAI. The native token of the Telegram-affiliated The Open Network, the 18th largest crypto by market value, was trading at $3.37, CoinGecko data shows. TON soared to almost $3.70 and was up about 90% at one point earlier in the morning. <span></span> Telegram’s fortunes, which have risen in recent months, continued to swing upward on Wednesday. The company is preparing to raise $1.5 billion in a corporate-bond sale, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing several sources familiar with the company's plans. The messaging platform will issue five-year bonds offering a 9% yield—a raise that has invited interest from Emirati-owned investment firm Mubadala, BlackRock, and hedge-fund manager Citadel, according to The Journal. Telegram has shared with investors that it clocked $540 million in profits on $1.4 billion in revenue in 2024, people familiar with the matter told the publication—a major rebound from its lackluster performance the year prior. The app boasted one billion active users as of March 2025, according to Telegram's executives, and enrollment in its subscription services has roughly doubled over the past year or so. Separately, Telegram will deploy AI-powered chatbot Grok to its growing platform under terms of a one-year agreement with xAI, Telegram founder Pavel Durov said Wednesday in a social media post. Telegram will receive half of xAI's subscription sales made through the messaging platform, Durov tweeted. Durov is still facing criminal charges in France related to alleged illegal activities hosted on Telegram, leaving the application's future somewhat uncertain. French authorities arrested Durov in August, alleging Telegram facilitated terrorism and drug trafficking enterprises, among other nefarious activities, on its platform. And earlier this month, authorities declined the founder's appeal to travel to the U.S. for "negotiations with investment funds,” POLITICO reported. Telegram created TON in 2018, but distanced itself from the network just two years later as it faced regulatory scrutiny over its role in the project. However, the messaging application began flirting with TON nearly two years later, hosting the TON Wallet App and tap-to-earn games in its application. The latter initiative helped TON garner widespread recognition last year, as viral tap-to-earn games such as Catizen and Hamster Kombat amassed hundreds of millions of players on Telegram. Edited by James Rubin
10 red flags that scream ‘fake airdrop,’ and how to avoid them
Key takeaways In 2024 and 2025, fake airdrop scams targeting Hamster Kombat, Wall Street Pepe and others led to millions in user losses, contributing to over $9.9 billion in global crypto scam damages. Fake airdrops impersonate legitimate projects, tricking users into revealing private keys, signing malicious contracts or paying upfront fees that lead to irreversible crypto theft. Warning signs include no official announcement, suspicious URLs, requests for private keys, grammar errors and unrealistic reward promises. Future airdrops are shifting toward activity-based, retroactive and AI-monitored models that reward genuine user engagement while reducing exploitation. While cryptocurrency airdrops are a legitimate way for projects to gain publicity and users, scammers exploit this hype, draining wallets through fake campaigns. In 2024 and 2025, fake airdrop scams around projects like Hamster Kombat and Wall Street Peepe cost victims millions. According to Chainalysis, the global estimated losses in 2024 from cryptocurrency scams and fraud, which included fake airdrops, amounted to at least $9.9 billion. Spotting red flags is crucial to staying safe from fake airdrops. This article explores key warning signs and practical tips to protect your funds. What are fake airdrops? Airdrops are a common practice of distributing free tokens in the crypto world as part of marketing campaigns, user acquisition efforts, or community-building exercises. Legitimate airdrops reward early takers, increase token visibility, or promote network activity. Getting airdrops requires minimal effort, like signing up, joining a community or holding a specific token. However, the popularity of airdrops has also drawn scammers . They exploit user greed and curiosity by promising free tokens (fake airdrops) in exchange for sensitive actions such as sharing private keys , signing malicious contracts or paying gas fees . Fraudsters may impersonate real projects using spoofed domains or fake social media accounts. These scams often look convincing, and even experienced users can fall victim. This is the reason consistent vigilance is required when you are getting airdrops. Did you know? In 2023, Inferno Drainer helped scammers steal over $80 million through airdrop phishing campaigns. Operating as a “drainer-as-a-service,” it lets affiliates use prebuilt kits to run scam airdrop sites, targeting wallets across several blockchains. Key red flags that expose ‘fake airdrops’ Before you connect for an airdrop, learn to spot the warning signs. These red flags are your first line of defense against losing your crypto or sensitive information to scammers: 1. No official announcement from verified channels What to watch for: A major warning sign of a fake airdrop is the lack of any announcement on the project’s official communication channels. Scammers often use unsolicited direct messages, unofficial Telegram groups or poorly crafted websites mimicking legitimate ones to promote fake airdrops. How to avoid: Always verify the legitimacy of an airdrop by checking the project’s official website, verified X account or official Discord/Telegram channels before clicking any links. If the airdrop isn’t mentioned there, keep away from it. 2. Request for private key or seed phrase What to watch for: A critical red flag of a fake airdrop is a request to “verify” your wallet by providing your private key or seed phrase . These scams deceive users into surrendering complete control of their crypto wallets by posing as eligibility checks. Once shared, scammers can immediately steal all assets. How to avoid: Genuine airdrops never ask for your private key or recovery phrase, which should always remain confidential. If anyone or any website requests these, it is a clear scam. Exit the page immediately. 3. Upfront gas fees or crypto payments What to watch for: A significant warning sign of a fake airdrop is that it requires upfront gas fees or cryptocurrency payments to “unlock” tokens. Scammers often insist you send Ether ( ETH ) or other coins to claim rewards, but after the payment, the promised tokens never materialize, and your funds are lost. How to avoid: Legitimate airdrops are free, typically involving only simple tasks like connecting a wallet or completing minor actions. If an airdrop demands any payment, it is likely to be a scam. Never send funds to unfamiliar addresses. 4. Suspicious URLs or clone sites What to watch for: Fake airdrops frequently employ phishing websites resembling legitimate crypto platforms. These sites aim to deceive users into connecting wallets and signing fraudulent transactions. How to avoid: You need to carefully check a project’s URL before executing any transaction on it. There will likely be subtle differences, such as misspellings, extra characters or alternate domain extensions. Did you know? Some airdrops use retroactive criteria, rewarding users based on past activity. This encourages organic participation before the airdrop announcement, so simply using DApps naturally could make you eligible for future free tokens. 5. Poor grammar and urgent language What to watch for: Many fake airdrops feature poor grammar, spelling errors or aggressive phrases like “Claim Now Or Lose Out!” or “Final Chance For Free Tokens!” These tactics aim to create panic, rushing users into clicking malicious links without careful thought. Sloppy writing and intense urgency are clear signs of a scam. How to avoid: Legitimate crypto projects communicate professionally and clearly. If an airdrop announcement contains errors or uses high-pressure, time-sensitive language, steer clear. 6. Fake social proof or bot comments What to watch for: Scammers frequently use fake airdrop posts filled with fabricated social proof, such as comments like “I just got 500 $XYZ!” or “Totally legit!” These are often posted by bots or fake accounts to create a false sense of trust and encourage participation. They might also use fake or hacked celebrity accounts to disseminate false information regarding airdrops. How to avoid: Avoid trusting social media comments alone to determine an airdrop’s legitimacy. Research the token thoroughly, confirm its presence on reputable platforms, and seek authentic user feedback on forums like Reddit or trusted crypto Discord groups. Genuine projects maintain transparent communities, not just artificial hype. 7. Unknown or nonexistent token projects What to watch for: Certain fake airdrops promote tokens tied to obscure or nonexistent projects, which might lack a white paper , roadmap, official website or verifiable team. Scammers use these fabricated tokens to trick users into connecting wallets or approving transactions that result in stolen funds. How to avoid: Always research a token extensively before participating in an airdrop. Check for a white paper, official website, team credentials and active community presence. If the project lacks basic details or appears suspiciously new with no credible background, it is likely fraudulent. 8. Token approval traps What to watch for: Certain fake airdrops entice users to connect their wallets and grant token spending permissions. These seemingly harmless “approval” requests can allow scammers to freely transfer or drain your tokens without further interaction, exploiting the granted permissions. How to avoid: Exercise caution when approving token transactions, particularly from unfamiliar sources. Avoid authorizing smart contract interactions on untrusted websites. Regularly use tools like revoke cash to check and cancel unnecessary token approvals. 9. Redirects to malicious wallet drainers What to watch for: Some fake airdrop links redirect users to malicious DApps known as wallet drainers . These sites are designed to resemble legitimate claim pages but execute malicious smart contracts once a wallet is connected. By clicking “claim airdrop,” users unknowingly sign transactions that give scammers full access to their funds. How to avoid: Always review transaction pop-ups carefully before signing. Use browser wallets like MetaMask with built-in phishing protection and stay updated on known scam domains. If a site looks unfamiliar or triggers unexpected approvals, disconnect immediately. 10. Unrealistic reward promises What to watch for: Fake airdrops often attract users with unrealistic promises, such as “Instantly claim $2,000 in free tokens!” with no effort required. These offers exploit greed and curiosity, luring users into connecting wallets or signing transactions without proper scrutiny. How to avoid: Be suspicious of extravagant claims. Genuine airdrops usually provide modest rewards and have certain eligibility criteria. If an offer appears too good to be true, it is likely to be fraudulent. Did you know? In 2021, the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) gave governance tokens via an airdrop to anyone who had registered a .eth name. Many ENS holders received thousands of dollars just for owning a crypto domain name. Examples of fake airdrops Here are some examples of well-known fake airdrops to help you understand how these fraudulent actions scam unsuspecting victims: Hamster Kombat Hamster Kombat is a Telegram-based tap-to-earn game where players manage a virtual crypto exchange as a hamster CEO. By tapping, completing daily tasks and upgrading, players earn HMSTR coins, which are convertible to tradable tokens. Launched in March 2024, it attracted over 250 million users, but scams targeting players have raised concerns. Malicious actors targeted Hamster Kombat to profit from the tap-to-earn game’s viral popularity. Kaspersky warned users about fake Hamster Kombat airdrops, meant to steal victims’ crypto wallet credentials. Wall Street Pepe Wall Street Pepe ($WEPE) is an Ethereum -based memecoin that combines meme culture with practical trading utilities. Inspired by the Pepe meme and Wall Street trading, $WEPE provides small traders with unique market insights, strategic analysis and a supportive community. The $WEPE airdrop scam mimicked the legitimate token's website. It lured users with promises of an airdrop and prompted them to connect their digital wallets, inadvertently signing malicious contracts that drained their assets. HEX HEX is a token built on Ethereum to help users capitalize on cryptocurrency market growth through a system that supports coin locking and staking for fixed durations. The fraudulent webpage replicated the official HEX site. The airdrop on this counterfeit site was fake and unrelated to the genuine HEX project or other initiatives. When a crypto wallet was linked to the deceptive site, it activated a malicious contract that enabled the cryptocurrency drainer to steal funds. Sui Sui (SUI) is a layer-1 blockchain and smart-contract platform engineered for speed, privacy and accessibility, featuring a distinctive object-centric data model. When users checked airdrop eligibility on the fraudulent webpage posted by the scammers, they were prompted to link their digital wallets. This action unwittingly signed a malicious contract, enabling the cryptocurrency drainer. Consequently, their funds were automatically transferred to wallets controlled by scammers through seamless, unauthorized transactions. LayerZero The LayerZero airdrop implemented a novel "proof-of-donation" claiming system. Instead of distributing $ZRO tokens for free, as typical airdrops do, LayerZero required users to donate $0.10 per token to the Protocol Guild, which supports Ethereum’s core developers. In July 2023, security firm CertiK cautioned users to be careful about fake airdrops being promoted on X by accounts impersonating Layer Zero. When users clicked on the links, they were sent to a website that resembled the official LayerZero website. How crypto airdrops are evolving from freebies to secure community rewards Crypto airdrops are advancing beyond basic token giveaways, adopting more advanced and secure approaches to engage users. Projects increasingly implement activity-based airdrops, rewarding users for contributions like staking , testing apps or engaging in governance. This shift seeks to promote authentic community involvement and prevent exploitative tactics. Novel distribution models such as snapshot-based allocations and retroactive rewards are gaining traction. These approaches enhance transparency and ensure tokens reach active community contributors. Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning improves fraud detection and strengthens airdrop security by helping detect bots, fake wallets and fraudulent behavior, making airdrops more secure and resistant to exploitation. This transformation reflects the evolution of responsible, effective token distribution practices that align with decentralization and community empowerment goals. This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Bad tokenomics kill good projects (here’s how to improve them)
The following is a guest post and opinion of Arthur Iinuma, Principal consultant and Founder of Iinuma.io. While good tokenomics cannot save unsound projects, even the most promising network launches can fail from poor token design. Spectacular flameouts like Terra LUNA and Celsius expose the dangers of financial sleight-of-hand—algorithmic stablecoins and yield schemes masquerading as innovation. But there are many more otherwise high-potential projects committing economic suicide through easily avoidable mistakes. Blue-chip projects with genuine technical merit and legitimate use cases, like Aptos, have watched billions in market cap evaporate overnight due to mismanaged token unlocks and poor communication. It’s critical for crypto founders to increase their emphasis on token design so great projects can build economic foundations as strong as their technical ones. Fatal Flaws in Token Design The biggest tokenomics mistakes I see in otherwise solid projects are: Large Valuation Gaps While it is customary for projects to offer early investors lower priced tokens compared to later rounds, founders should be careful in allowing wide pricing spreads between these early rounds and public buyers. This may be easier said than done as shrewd investors demand lower prices against the threat of withholding investment. However, an investor with a low entry price in comparison to a later round essentially guarantees their upside even at prices lower than the cost basis of a public buyer. This means that a loss for buyers in later rounds may still result in gains for the earliest token holders – creating an unfair imbalance in the project’s token economy. Poor Vesting Schedule Far too many projects turn their public buyers into exit liquidity for early investors and insiders. Nothing destroys community faster than watching early insiders dump tokens while public buyers hold withering bags. The timing of unlocks are important. While a long vesting and lockup schedule seems good for value appreciation, they almost always guarantee predictable sell pressure as investors who’ve been forced to hold for too long scramble to unload. Fast unlocks may provide rapid price discovery and expand the token holder base, but they also allow whales to dump, creating “red candles” and evaporating public confidence. Overselling by Founders Sometimes the prospect of turning recently minted digital tokens into real value is too tempting for the founders that created them. I’ve watched projects go from great ideas to publicly traded at over a billion USD in valuation, minting multi-millionaire founders in the process. Even the most disciplined of them are tempted to sell their holdings and trade their project tokens for cash. Take for instance Mantra, which suddenly lost 92% of its value in just 90 minutes. Despite statements by the CEO to the contrary, blockchain analysts were quick to point out substantial insider movements of at least USD 227 million onto exchanges, suggesting an insider dump. High Listing Valuation Founders are often enticed to list at larger valuations as they make for bigger headlines, raised optics and build hype. Founders are not entirely at fault, as even Binance has been known to push out unusually high listing valuations, with projects like Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) listing at over USD 700 million in market cap, and Notcoin listing at a staggering USD 1 billion at launch. But overvalued project listings create a lot of “air” underneath them, and when everyone is in the money, it’s almost a guaranteed race to the bottom and token holders are quick to cash out to get more favorable pricing than the person next to them. A high starting valuation also means the prospect of public buyers earning a multiple on their investment is slimmer, thinning out secondary market demand. When you have a lot of holders selling and nobody to buy, the result is an eventual death spiral. While projects like Hamster Kombat set industry engagement records, and listed on the top exchanges in the world, its overvalue at listing resulted in a 87% price decline to its recorded all-time-low. What Actually Works in Tokenomics BTC and ETH hold the top market cap positions for good reason. Beyond being early, they’ve demonstrated several core principles that separate sustainable token models from hollow speculation vehicles. Genuine Scarcity Bitcoin’s 21 million fixed supply cap isn’t powerful just because it’s scarce—it’s powerful because the market believes with absolute certainty that this limit won’t change. Deep Product Integration The fundamental question every project should answer honestly: Could your product function without a token? If yes, you’re likely forcing tokenization where it doesn’t belong. Projects like Filecoin embody this principle well—their token is essential to the network’s storage marketplace function, making it nearly impossible to separate the product from its token. By contrast, projects that bolt on tokens as afterthoughts typically see their tokens wither in value over time. Selling Restrictions Projects should structure valuations across each sale round with reduced spread and design a lockup schedule that prevents lower-priced buyers from “dumping” their tokens on participants in later rounds. Creating a layered vesting schedule that restricts early sales for buyers with a low entry point while allowing for later-round participants to de-risk first offers a reasonable balance of upside for early buyers and price protection for later buyers. Use of Audited Claim Contracts Well-structured token economics goes beyond what is written in a document. Projects should take a step further and ensure their tokens are custodied by a third-party audited, irrevocable smart contract guaranteeing transparency and compliance by all parties. Realistic Valuation Supply Management Lower initial valuations might feel like leaving money on the table, but they create room for meaningful appreciation. Projects launching at already-inflated valuations leave little upside for new participants, killing momentum and community growth. A low total supply allows for better price control and market responsiveness. It imbues tokens with more significance, making manipulation more difficult and price movements more meaningful. Active Token Management Good tokenomics isn’t set-and-forget—it requires ongoing stewardship. Here are some best practices: Strategic supply management: Increase circulating supply only during rising markets. This prevents dumping additional tokens into already weak markets. Buyback programs: Implement token repurchases when sell pressure is high to stabilize the price and signal project commitment to a high token valuation. Controlled liquidation: Require large investors to use market makers when selling significant positions to prevent large price impacts from sudden dumps. Building To Last The most successful projects approach tokenomics as an extension of product design rather than exclusively an exercise of financial engineering. Thoughtful tokenomics are a signal to the market of a thoughtful product and team. Your token is ultimately your best marketing tool—it rewards loyalty and financially aligns users. The post Bad tokenomics kill good projects (here’s how to improve them) appeared first on CryptoSlate.
Hamster Kombat GameDev Cipher Code and Combo Card May 20
Hamster Kombat has taken the world by storm, amassing a massive player base of over 200 million thanks to its addictive tap-to-earn mechanics and crypto-integrated rewards, securing its reputation as a major force in Web3 gaming. With the launch of Season 2, the game steps up its appeal by adding new layers of strategy through combo cards and GameDev cipher codes. These additions cater to both newcomers and seasoned players alike. The most recent cipher code, dropped on May 20, grants players game-changing perks such as faster progression, upgraded loot, and boosted tap speed, giving them a competitive edge on the global leaderboard. Check Cipher Code for May 20, 2025 The Hamster Kombat Season 2 cipher code for May 20, 2025, is “BEAT”. B – • • • E • A • – T – Check Combo Card for May 20, 2025 Maximizing Your Loot Drop Launched in March 2024, Hamster Kombat has evolved from a basic tap-to-play game into a dynamic Web3 ecosystem where every action can lead to tangible crypto rewards. What started as casual fun has transformed into a fast-paced experience layered with economic strategy. Success now hinges on more than just speed—it’s about how effectively you operate your hamster-led exchanges. Players who unlock the power of daily cipher codes and combo cards gain a critical advantage, optimizing both progress and performance. Whether you’re aiming for the top of the leaderboard or focused on smart, steady growth, Hamster Kombat demands thoughtful planning—because each tap is a move in a much larger strategic game. Follow The Crypto Times on Google News to Stay Updated!
Vladimir Smerkis Held in Russia Over Major Crypto Fraud Case
Vladimir Smerkis was detained in Moscow for alleged fraud tied to past crypto ventures. Blum users are unsure if their earned points will convert into tokens as originally planned. The team says daily operations continue, but has not confirmed updates on the airdrop. Vladimir Smerkis, co-founder of the Telegram-based crypto app Blum, has been arrested in Russia for alleged large-scale fraud. According to sources, the Zamoskvoretsky District Court in Moscow ordered his detention on Friday under charges of “fraud on an especially large scale.” Police have yet to disclose the full list of charges or whether they directly involve the Blum project or other past ventures. Ex-Binance exec Blum co-founder Vladimir Smerkis arrested in Moscow over alleged large-scale fraud. pic.twitter.com/6jjoB27zZr — Marzell (@MarzellCrypto) May 18, 2025 Smerkis, a known figure in the crypto industry, formerly led Binance’s operations in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). His name was also tied to The Token Fund and Tokenbox, two early crypto investment platforms that raised millions but eventually vanished from public focus. Several Russian media outlets speculate that the fraud allegations may be linked to these earlier projects rather than Blum. Project Distances Itself Amid Mounting Concerns Soon after the arrest, Blum moved swiftly to distance the project from Smerkis. In a public statement posted on X, Blum stated: “Smerkis has stepped down from his role as CMO and is no longer involved in the development of the project or in any co-founder capacity.” We would like to inform our community that Vladimir Smerkis has stepped down from his role as CMO and is no longer involved in the development of the project or in any co-founder capacity. — Blum (@blumcrypto) May 17, 2025 Despite the reassurances, concerns have been rising among Blum users. Previously, the app stated it would convert “Blum Points” into tokens in Q2 of 2025. These points were earned during the May 2024 “Drop Game,” where players tapped on falling snowflakes to collect digital rewards. Airdrop Uncertainty Sparks User Doubts Blum’s airdrop remains a central concern for its community, especially after repeated delays and unclear timelines. The Drop Game officially ended on May 14, 2024, and was expected to lead into an ongoing “seasonal” airdrop model. However, with Smerkis’s exit and legal troubles, many users are now questioning the viability of that promise. Significantly, the project had previously gained credibility by being part of Binance Labs’ Most Valuable Builder accelerator program. That early association had positioned Blum as one of the most promising tap-to-earn initiatives in the post-Hamster Kombat era. But the arrest now threatens to damage user trust just as tap-to-earn platforms are gaining mainstream attention. Related: Crypto Influencer Ben Armstrong Gets Arrested After Dispute Past Ventures Add to Legal Pressure Although authorities have not officially named Tokenbox or The Token Fund in the case, media reports suggest they are under review. Each company attracted investors during the first period of initial coin offerings, but then they slowly became forgotten. There are now rumors that some founders may walk away from their projects after gathering much money from investors. Following a string of recent crackdowns involving crypto executives in Russia, the arrest aligns with broader enforcement trends. Still, it remains unknown whether Smerkis’s charges are tied directly to criminal activity during his tenure at Blum or relate strictly to his previous endeavors. Neither Binance nor Binance Labs has issued a statement regarding the matter at the time of writing. The post Vladimir Smerkis Held in Russia Over Major Crypto Fraud Case appeared first on Cryptotale.
Arrest of Blum Co-Founder Vladimir Smerkis Raises Uncertainty Around Upcoming Airdrop
In the crypto and Telegram gaming worlds, Vladimir Smerkis, co-founder of popular Telegram Mini App Blum, was arrested on Friday in Moscow on large-scale fraud charges, according to several local media outlets. Smerkis, a well-known Russian crypto industry figure, was formerly Binance’s general manager of operations in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The Moscow Zamoskvoretsky District Court confirmed the arrest, reporting it as part of a criminal case for “fraud on an especially large scale.” The complete charges, though, are still not publicly announced. Background on Smerkis and Previous Projects Prior to co-founding Blum, Smerkis was part of several high-profile cryptocurrency ventures. Such as The Token Fund and Tokenbox both of which drew considerable capital but have since gone quiet. Rumors that the projects may have been exit scams. Revival of the old projects in light of the new charges has further fueled already heightened suspicion. In response to the arrest news, Blum immediately issued a statement through its official X handle statingthat Vladimir Smerkis had “resigned his position as CMO and is no longer contributing to the development of the project or in any co-founder role.” We appreciate Vladimir’s contribution to the project and wish him all the best for the future. Our team is completely dedicated and dedicated to our mission, and business-as-usual prevails in our daily operations,” the post stated. Blum also assured its 5.3 million users that the arrest will not affect the imminent airdrop. Which has been one of the biggest sources of excitement for players on the platform. Airdrop Uncertainty Blum originally released its flagship “Drop Game” in May 2024, a tap-to-earn game that allows users to earn Blum Points by tapping on falling snowflakes. Said points were said to ultimately be turned into actual tokens through an airdrop. While several seasons of the Drop Game have now come and gone, the token generation event (TGE) has been continually pushed back. The most recent word puts the airdrop in Q2 2025. With Smerkis’s arrest, users are increasingly doubting. Some are questioning the airdrop’s viability and timeline, worried that internal problems might jeopardize the promised distribution. Blum insists, though, that the roadmap hasn’t changed. Tap-to-earn, as popularized by Telegram Mini Apps such as Hamster Kombat and Blum, has become a rising trend in adoption in 2024 and 2025. These apps gamify crypto onboarding by rewarding basic in-app behaviors with token rewards. But popularity has also generated criticism. Similar to the Celsius Network debacle. Where CEO Alexander Mashinsky was found guilty on several charges of fraud and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Smerkis’s arrest calls into question leadership transparency on gamified crypto platforms. What’s Next for Blum? In spite of the controversy, Blum remains operational, moving forward with its development and future roadmap. The project, which was first supported by Binance Labs’ Most Valuable Builder program. Which has not formally postponed or changed its airdrop timeline. For the moment, users sit tight for information on both the legal process and project future deliverables. And as the crypto industry evolves, examples such as Smerkis’s are poignant reminders of the need for accountability and trust in leadership. Whether or not Blum can restore complete user confidence remains to be determined. Highlighted Crypto News Today Will the 160% Jump in Trading Volume for Frog-Themed PEPE Fuel a Rally?
Blum Co-Founder Vladimir Smerkis Arrested For Suspicion of Fraud
Vladimir Smerkis, co-founder of the crypto game Blum and former head of Binance’s CIS division, has been arrested in Moscow on suspicion of fraud. The Zamoskvoretsky District Court ordered his detention this week. Authorities have not disclosed the specifics of the alleged criminal activity. Blum Distances Itself From Vladimir Smerkis Blum rose to prominence as part of the “tap-to-earn” wave—games where users repeatedly tap their screens to earn digital tokens. In Blum’s case, players tapped falling snowflakes to collect in-game currency, which the project claimed could be exchanged for real-world money. The arrest comes as scrutiny intensifies over tap-to-earn platforms. In a statement shared with its 5.3 million followers on X (Twitter), Blum clarified that Smerkis no longer has any role in the company. “We would like to inform our community that Vladimir Smerkis has stepped down from his role as CMO and is no longer involved in the development of the project or in any co-founder capacity,” the team posted. Tap-to-earn games have drawn global attention following the viral success of Hamster Kombat in 2024. That game’s massive token airdrop, the largest in the crypto industry to date, brought the users’ attention to this sector. Blum quickly followed as one of several tap-to-earn projects. Today, the tap-to-earn segment holds a market cap of $511 million, according to data from CoinGecko.
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