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Hamster Kombat
editHamster Kombat is a popular clicker game integrated within the Telegram messaging app. Developed by unknown creators, the game has attracted significant attention worldwide due to its gameplay and the potential promise of converting in-game currency into real money.
Gameplay
editHamster Kombat is a "clicker game" where players repeatedly tap on the screen to earn in-game currency. Players can enhance their experience by dressing their hamsters in various outfits and accessories. The developers have hinted at the possibility of the virtual coins being exchangeable for real money in the future.
Popularity
editAs of mid-2023, Hamster Kombat has amassed a player base of at least 150 million worldwide, with particular popularity in countries where Telegram is widely used, such as Russia, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine.
Regulatory Concerns
editThe game has drawn scrutiny from authorities in multiple countries, each citing different reasons for caution:
- In Russia, officials have raised concerns about the financial risks associated with the game's promise of easy earnings and potential dangers for children. Some critics have labeled it a "pyramid scheme". A notable incident involved a 14-year-old boy from Tyumen whose gaming behavior led his parents to seek psychiatric help.
- In Uzbekistan, authorities have threatened legal action against players attempting to convert in-game currency to cryptocurrency, citing strict regulations on cryptocurrency transactions.
- Ukraine's state Center for Strategic Communications has warned about the game's possible links to Russia, emphasizing concerns over data security and the potential misuse of personal information.
Developers and Affiliations
editHamster Kombat's accounts on Telegram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) boast millions of followers, yet they do not reveal the identities of the developers or a corporate parent. Investigations by Ukrainian media outlet Ain and Russian independent media outlet The Bell suggest connections to RU-CENTER Group, a major Russian domain registrar, and hosting provider. The Bell also identified Russian IT entrepreneur Eduard Gurinovich as one of the game's co-founders. Allegations have been made that Telegram itself benefits from Hamster Kombat, using it to promote the app and generate traffic.
Similar Games
editHamster Kombat is reminiscent of Notcoin, a clicker game promoted by Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov. Notcoin users could convert their in-game currency into real money once the currency was listed on major cryptocurrency exchanges.
Security Issues
editThe game has also been targeted by scammers. Russian cybersecurity firm F.A.C.C.T. reported a campaign where hackers used malware to drain victims’ crypto wallets and attempted account takeovers via fake Hamster Kombat bots.