The Open Network (TON) and Its Growing Gaming Ecosystem

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The Open Network (TON) is making headlines with its integration of games and cryptocurrency through Telegram, particularly with NOTcoin, which has surpassed $1 billion in total trading volume since its launch.

A dedicated TON app page lists over 570 gaming-related applications, an impressive count for any blockchain. But the question remains: Are the games on TON worthwhile, and what direction will the ecosystem take?

> “It’s been a hell of a ride,” Ivan Gusev, head of fun at the TON NFT marketplace Getgems, remarked.

The games debuted in 2024 are still in their infancy, according to Jack Booth, co-founder of TON Society, an organization dedicated to the development of TON. He anticipates that games released in 2025 and beyond will be more developed and refined versions of current offerings.

The tokens emerging through TON and Telegram currently lack longevity, often featuring simple gameplay mechanics like “tap-to-earn” and roulette-style games.

> “The sustainable token model is something that I think these games will start to implement,” Booth stated, emphasizing that the crypto space has been too focused on speculative prices thus far.

In addition to gameplay-based earning, Telegram users can acquire usernames, profile decals, stickers, and other items as NFTs using TON cryptocurrency.

There are challenges, however, as Telegram has been using TON for its products and ads without notifying the builders behind TON. This lack of communication creates a symbiotic yet disjointed partnership.

Both Booth and Gusev expressed that TON developers have “zero relationship” with Telegram, with Gusev humorously noting that even Telegram CEO Pavel Durov may be in the dark about the company’s plans: “They operate in chaos.”

Despite these challenges, TON builders are optimistic that maintaining a connection with Telegram is beneficial due to its vast user base—counting in the billions—many of whom have an interest in cryptocurrency. User acquisition remains one of the biggest hurdles in the crypto industry.

Booth projects that 2025 could bring more favorable US regulations, potentially allowing the Telegram Wallet to be accessible in the United States “very soon.”