Observed Signal · Feb 11, 2025 · Other · Source: Tech.eu · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
UK game studio TonTon sees Telegram gaming as billion-user opportunity
TonTon Games, a UK-based publisher specializing in Telegram games, views the messaging platform's 950 million monthly users as an untapped market for Web3 gaming. Founder and CEO Daniil Shcherbakov discussed the studio's strategy, highlighting its first game DRFT Party, which reached 1.2 million MAU within a month and generates four figures in daily revenue. The article also covers the broader Telegram gaming ecosystem, including hit games like Notcoin and Catizen, which have attracted tens of millions of users. TonTon Games focuses on sustainable, long-term growth rather than speculative token launches, and actively vets developers to avoid scams. Shcherbakov believes the upcoming integration of a Mini App Store could trigger mass adoption, positioning TonTon as a first mover. The studio receives 25 weekly developer requests and plans to release several games in 2025.
Highlights an emerging gaming and monetization channel on Telegram, but not a major industry-wide shift; relevant to AdTech via new user engagement and potential ad opportunities.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- TonTon Games is a UK publisher focused on Telegram games, founded by Daniil Shcherbakov.
- DRFT Party, TonTon's first game, launched in August 2024 and reached 1.2 million MAU in one month with 15% paying users.
- Notcoin, a tap-to-earn game, gained 35 million users at its peak; Catizen surpassed 39 million total users and generated over $16 million in revenue.
- TonTon Games receives 25 developer partnership requests weekly without marketing spend.
- The company plans to launch multiple games in 2025, aiming for long-term success in the Telegram gaming space.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mapped“Telegram, the fourth-largest messaging app globally... has a massive user base of 950 million monthly users....”
“During a stint at the cryptocurrency exchange Binance's accelerator program......”
“Major players like Zynga, Playrix, and Nexters dominate the mobile gaming market......”
“Major players like Zynga, Playrix, and Nexters dominate the mobile gaming market......”
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