Hamster, AI, Blockchain, Marketing and the Stupid Genius
While the currency is virtual, the social media followers are real.
For the last couple of weeks, we have had quite an interesting season in the technology world... Other than the Kenyan GenZs making global headlines, some teams broke records in the Guinness Book of Records for an online telegram gaming service called Hamster Kombat.
Hamster Kombat - The numbers
Hamster Kombat’s rapid growth is evident, with the game attracting between four to five million new users daily, reaching 100 million monthly active users within just 73 days. Reports suggest they gained over 22 million subscribers in just one month. This puts them in competition with channels like Mr. Beast, previously known for the fastest subscriber growth. Guinness World Record Attempt: There were claims Hamster Kombat aimed for a Guinness World Record for subscriber milestones, including reaching 10 million subscribers in under a week.
For a couple of weeks there, while trying to fundraise for the local language AI, there was advice from several quarters to change strategy and check on what the blockchain space has to offer in areas of project funding… and that’s where I came across airdrops and cryptocurrency.
Back to Hamster:
Who could have thought an online, telegram-based token game could drive sales in the real world? It’s been reported that Amazon has seen a serious surge in sales of percussion massage tools due to Hamster Kombat. Hamster Kombat allows people to earn tokens as they play, with the hope that they get to win some coins once the project lists on the different crypto exchanges.
Hamster Kombat is undeniably addictive. Players feel engaged as they progress and work towards acquiring value within the game. The marketers, however, have won in a space that has been taken by too many things in the world, one of which is endless scrolling and watching senseless videos that take up a chunk of our time with no real value attached to what we are consuming.
Driving awareness of the Euros, by playing, I got to know which team was in the quarterfinals and eventually the finals. The gaming element allows one to understand what it takes to develop a crypto exchange and build on different services and offers on the same. The single most important thing to me that playing the game has offered is the education on blockchain and financial services, which often or sort of seemed mysterious with complex words around simple tools and ideas.
Genius marketing and social media
Then again, I can’t help but note that the minds behind Hamster Kombat are marketing geniuses. “Stupid genius” is the phrase that best describes the gaming elements. They’ve created a virtual currency used for paying social media subscriptions, gaining video views, and attracting new players. While the currency is virtual, the social media followers are real.
The result? In just over three months, Hamster Kombat has garnered 239 million users on Telegram in just 81 days, and 250 million players worldwide. Recently, the Hamster Kombat YouTube channel was recognized as the fastest-growing channel globally and will be mentioned in the Guinness World Records.
What does that mean for the industry? AI content, the development of tokens, and predictive analysis and data that can be usable by all marketers.
Either way, we wait for the future, but I can’t help but note: Hamster Kombat leverages AI for enhanced gameplay, integrates blockchain for a secure in-game economy, and utilizes clever marketing strategies masterminded by the “Stupid Genius.” Either way, the future looks bright.
Many others have followed suite, whether they word or not, depends on the hype and simplicity and how well that game is structured. Some games, like rocky rabbit, blum, gemz, mozbotAI and Timefarm, are great but can also be quite complex for players with a goal of making quick cash from an airdrop
Battle of the Bulls by Ultima Block Chain
Battle of the Bulls by the Ultima team and blockchain is something to look out for.
Very well designed game, but one secret to developers, don’t ask for too many referrals from one person, it kills the momentum of the game.
AI so far: Sora by Open AI
Sora, developed by OpenAI, seems to be making a slow debut in the commercial market. A full TV commercial by a toymaker was sent out to different platforms in the global social media space. This marks a significant milestone in AI-driven entertainment.
AI art Auction
Any takers for an AI art auction?
Artists? Vendors?
Inspired by a recent AI art auction held in Tashent, wouldn’t it be amazing to have a similar event here in Kenya?
The Tashnet event raised about 1 million rubles, with art prices varying from 300 to 1500 rubles.
Lets link up on info@susanngatia.africa