Notcoin, the pioneering force in Telegram gaming, has taken a significant leap forward by launching a new, story-driven game titled “Lost Dogs” in collaboration with TON’s Lost Dogs Co and NFT trading platform Getgems. This innovative game marks a departure from the clicker tap-to-earn model that initially brought Notcoin widespread recognition and success.
Notcoin initially captured the spotlight as the first Telegram game to utilize the clicker tap-to-earn model, boasting an impressive user base of 35 million players. The game's simple premise—pressing a button to earn in-game currency—culminated in a $1 billion airdrop of the NOT token on the TON blockchain. This strategic move significantly boosted the NOT token’s market cap to $1.3 billion, as reported by The Block.
Despite its success, Notcoin’s founder, Sasha Plotvinov, anticipated the model’s limitations and chose to conclude the mining phase at its peak on April 1. Plotvinov's vision for Notcoin's future involves transitioning towards a more sustainable and independent structure over the next four years.
The latest venture, “Lost Dogs,” marks a strategic pivot from Notcoin's earlier approach. Instead of the tap-to-earn model, “Lost Dogs” offers a narrative-driven experience where players embark on a dog-themed quest. Participants join communities or “squads,” invite new players, and vote on the actions of their virtual dogs to guide them to a new home.
The game is designed to be immersive, with each decision having significant ethical implications that impact the storyline and the dogs' journey. The Lost Dogs NFTs, which were initially launched on Getgems in March 2023, represent the game's characters and evolve with the story, gaining special powers and achieving "celebrity" status within the game.“
Our goal is to showcase how NFTs can drive compelling narratives and promote mass adoption through innovative gameplay and storytelling,” said Vanya, founder of Getgems. “Lost Dogs is just the beginning of what we hope to be a new wave of interactive blockchain experiences.”
In “Lost Dogs,” players earn Notcoins and a new in-game currency called WOOF by participating in daily decisions that shape the narrative. The outcome of each day is determined by the collective choices of players, with rewards distributed based on the popularity of decisions. Winners receive a share of NOT tokens from a general pool, while WOOF can be mined through various in-game activities. Though initially a points system, WOOF may transition to a TON blockchain-based token similar to NOT in the future.
Unlike the "endless" nature of previous mining games, “Lost Dogs” is set to run for a fixed period of six weeks. However, the Notcoin team hints at future collaborations and additional games within the ecosystem.
The Open Platform (TOP), a Web3 venture capital firm and co-founder of Notcoin and Getgems, is also backing the “Lost Dogs” initiative. TOP has recently invested in other gaming ventures, including Akedo Games and PLUTO Studio, to further develop Telegram games within the TON blockchain ecosystem.
Mad Tail, the Chief Barking Officer at Lost Dogs Co, expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We want to unveil a world full of discoveries, joy, and mysteries. With the support from TOP, we’ve been able to turn our creative ideas into reality, ensuring that players can fully engage with their Notcoins and distribute WOOF.”
With the launch of “Lost Dogs,” Notcoin is redefining its approach to blockchain gaming, blending narrative depth with interactive gameplay. The game's innovative use of NFTs and player-driven storytelling aims to set a new standard for blockchain-based experiences, making it a significant milestone in the evolution of digital gaming on Telegram.
As “Lost Dogs” begins its journey, the gaming community and blockchain enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how this new model unfolds and what future projects Notcoin and its collaborators have in store.
August 2024, Cryptoniteuae