On September 27, 2024, the popular Telegram game Hamster Kombat launched its long-awaited airdrop, distributing HMSTR tokens to its players. However, many users who had dedicated time and effort to the game felt let down by the rewards they received. Out of 300 million players, only 131 million qualified for the airdrop, and some expressed their dissatisfaction by describing their HMSTR tokens as “dust,” indicating that the amounts received were negligible and worth less than $10.

Airdrop Backlash

The backlash was significant on social media platforms, particularly on Twitter. Players vented their frustrations about the small token amounts they received for months of gameplay, highlighting that many were expecting more substantial rewards. One user criticized the smart contract responsible for minting HMSTR, leading to further complaints and a chorus of disappointment from the community.

Following the airdrop, HMSTR’s market performance was rocky. Initially priced at around $0.012, the token dropped significantly, with reports indicating a decrease of up to 41% shortly after the launch. Many players were cashing in their tokens, leading to a rush in trading, which contributed to the volatility. As of the latest reports, approximately 108,000 wallets held HMSTR tokens, with a significant portion redeemed to a Binance wallet.

Plans for the Future

Despite the current discontent, Hamster Kombat has ambitious plans for expansion beyond Telegram. The developers aim to introduce new features, including NFTs and additional games, with a roadmap that looks to engage the community further. Notably, they have set aside 15 billion HMSTR for the game’s upcoming second season, hoping to reward players more generously this time.

Interestingly, while Hamster Kombat has attracted global attention, the search interest has been particularly strong in African countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Somalia. In Turkey, the game’s trading has been influenced by the local currency, with a notable amount of trading occurring against the Turkish Lira. However, players have encountered challenges in trading due to minimum order requirements on exchanges.

As Hamster Kombat continues to evolve, it faces the challenge of addressing player dissatisfaction while trying to grow its community. The developers must find ways to reward their dedicated players adequately, ensuring the game’s sustainability in the competitive landscape of tap-to-earn games. As players await the next steps, it remains to be seen how the airdrop fallout will shape the future of this viral game.