Notcoin is a digital clicker game developed as a mini-app on the Telegram platform, launched in late 2023. The game leverages Telegram’s extensive user base to engage players in accumulating a virtual currency called Notcoin by tapping on a digital coin. This simple gameplay mechanic is designed to facilitate widespread participation in the emerging space of cryptocurrencies within the Telegram ecosystem. ^{[1][2][3][6][7][4]}

Overview

Notcoin (NOT) was introduced as a closed beta in November 2023 on the Telegram platform, initially functioning as a memecoin aimed at viral engagement. Despite the development team's limited experience, Notcoin gained a significant user base, attracting over 650,000 users within a few weeks. The official launch on January 1, 2024, further expanded its reach, drawing in over 5 million players in the first week. This growth was supported by the TON Foundation, which provided technical resources to enhance the game's operational capabilities.

Notcoin operates on the Telegram Open Network (TON) blockchain, selected for its high transaction throughput and security features. The choice of TON is intended to leverage the blockchain’s capabilities to support large-scale user engagement. The technical architecture of Notcoin is designed to maximize user interaction and accessibility, utilizing Telegram's extensive user base to drive adoption and popularity.

The gameplay, which has attracted more than 35 million users, involves a simple yet engaging mechanic. Players tap on a virtual coin that appears on the screen, accumulating points known as Notcoins. These points serve as a precursor to a cryptocurrency. The appeal of Notcoin lies in its straightforward gameplay, combined with the potential to introduce a new type of digital asset that integrates gaming with cryptocurrency. ^[2][7][3][5]

Key Dates and Exchange Listings

• First Introduction: November 2023 – Closed beta within Telegram.
• Official Launch: January 1, 2024 – Attracted millions of players in the first week.
• Major Exchange Listings: May 16, 2024 – Listed on Binance, OKX, Bybit, Kucoin, and Bitfinex.
• Other exchanges include TokoCrypto and Bybit, where NOTCOIN also maintains trading activities. ^{[6][5][9][10][11][12][13]}

Utility

Staking Initiatives: Notcoin provides staking opportunities, allowing token holders to contribute to network security and transaction validation, rewarding participants and ensuring network stability.

Inflation Control: Notcoin implements a burning mechanism to manage token supply and enhance value by permanently removing a portion of tokens from circulation during transactions and interactions within the game, aiming to counteract inflation and increase token scarcity. ^[2][3][17]

Market Dynamics and Valuation

Notcoin began trading with a fully diluted valuation (FDV) of $1 billion, following its distribution through an airdrop and listings on multiple exchanges. The token achieved $294 million in trading volume within the first hour of trading. ^[16]

Tokenomics

The tokenomics of Notcoin are structured to support a sustainable and community-focused ecosystem. The total supply of NOT tokens is capped at 102.7 billion. A substantial 78% (approximately 80.2 billion tokens) is allocated to early miners and voucher holders, ensuring that a large portion of the tokens remain within the community.

Notcoin's token launch on The Open Network (TON) was initially scheduled for April 20th, 2024, a date chosen to coincide with the Bitcoin halving event. However, the launch was delayed due to the complexities involved in ensuring a smooth rollout for potentially millions of users. According to Notcoin co-creator Sasha Plotvinov, the team recognized the challenges of managing such a significant number of participants and decided to postpone the launch to better prepare the infrastructure, including the blockchain, wallets, and other essential components.

The game has introduced a 1,000:1 token conversion ratio, meaning that every 1,000 in-game coins will convert to one NOT token. This conversion is part of an effort to simplify the in-game currency system and support the transition to the new token model. Following the launch, the game has transitioned to a model that eliminates the creation of additional tokens and introduces interactions with external projects, allowing players to earn rewards through these collaborations.

The remaining 22% of the tokens are allocated for new users, traders, and future development phases. The launch also included several Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs) across multiple platforms, such as Binance, Gate.io, and OKX. For instance, the Binance Launchpool allocated 3% (approximately 3.08 billion NOT tokens) for rewards, with staking options available for BNB and FDUSD holders.

To reduce the circulating supply, Notcoin announced the burning of $3 million worth of NOT tokens, decreasing the total supply to 102.49 billion. This token burn is intended to manage the token's supply within the market. Additionally, a $4.2 million incentive plan was introduced to reward Gold and Platinum users on the Notcoin Explore platform. ^{[2][6][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]}

Partnerships

Pixelverse

Pixelverse and Notcoin have announced a partnership to launch a $250,000 reward campaign targeting Notcoin (NOT) holders. This initiative aims to increase participation within the Notcoin ecosystem and promote the adoption of Web3 technologies. As part of this collaboration, NOT holders would have access to a series of campaigns within Pixelverse, which include staking missions and quests.

The reward pool of $250,000 was planned to be distributed through these campaigns, with particular attention given to Gold and Platinum tier holders of Notcoin. This initiative is expected to increase activity within the Notcoin ecosystem.

In addition to the reward campaign, further integration between Pixelverse and the Notcoin ecosystem is planned, offering additional benefits for NOT holders. This partnership builds on previous collaborations, such as a $7 million airdrop and alliances with platforms like 1inch and Sign, aimed at developing the Triangle startup accelerator to support the Telegram crypto community and encourage Web3 adoption. ^{[19][20][21][22]}

Musk Empire

Notcoin (NOT) established a partnership with Musk Empire, a tap-to-earn game on Telegram. This collaboration introduces benefits specifically for Notcoin users, particularly those who have attained higher levels in the game.

Musk Empire is a game that involves tapping on a virtual depiction of Elon Musk to earn in-game currency. As part of the partnership, special missions and rewards have been incorporated for Notcoin holders. Users who have achieved Gold or Platinum status in Notcoin are eligible for unique tasks within Musk Empire, which allow them to earn additional in-game currency and other related rewards.

In conjunction with this partnership, a special airdrop was introduced within the Notcoin bot. Users who complete specific tasks would receive an airdrop equivalent to 2% of Musk Empire's project coins.

The partnership between Notcoin and Musk Empire aims to enhance user interaction by offering cross-platform benefits. These include opportunities for players to upgrade their avatars, engage in competitions with friends, and participate in lotteries with cash prizes, all tied to the partnership’s exclusive offerings.

Musk Empire, which recently underwent a rebranding to "X Empire," has experienced growth, with millions of players joining since its launch. The collaboration with Notcoin is intended to further integrate the Notcoin community into the Musk Empire platform, providing additional avenues for earning and gameplay. ^{[18][23][24][25][26]}

Accelerator Initiatives and Ecosystem Expansion

Notcoin has expanded its influence in the Telegram-based gaming ecosystem by launching several accelerator programs aimed at supporting the development of applications on The Open Network (TON) and within the Telegram platform. In collaboration with DeFi platform 1inch and on-chain attestation protocol Sign, Notcoin introduced the "Triangle Accelerator", designed to assist developers building on TON and Telegram. Triangle focuses on key areas such as TON infrastructure, decentralized finance, and consumer applications that bridge Web2 and Web3.

The Triangle Accelerator is distinct from Notcoin's other recent initiative, the "Telegram Gaming Accelerator", which was launched in partnership with AI-powered analytics firm Helika. This program specifically targets developers of Telegram-based mini-apps, aiming to enhance the rapidly growing ecosystem of crypto-backed games. The focus is on fostering the development of games that leverage Telegram's vast user base and integrate blockchain technology to reward players with cryptocurrency.

Applications for the Triangle Accelerator were open until August 10, 2024, culminating in a six-week mentorship program that would conclude with a demo day, allowing participants to present their projects to investors and partners. ^[34][35]

Lost Dogs and Getgems Collaboration

Notcoin has partnered with the Lost Dogs NFT collection and the TON-based NFT marketplace Getgems to develop a story-driven game within the Notcoin ecosystem. The characters in the game are based on Lost Dogs NFTs, which were initially launched in March 2023. This collaboration marks a transition from the original tap-to-earn model that brought initial attention to Notcoin.

The game, named "Lost Dogs," centers around characters represented by Lost Dogs NFTs. Over a six-week period, players engage in a narrative experience where they make daily decisions that influence both the storyline and the development of their characters. Unlike the simpler mechanics of previous clicker-style games, "Lost Dogs" aims to offer a more complex and immersive experience.

Participants in the game join groups, known as "squads," and the choices they make each day impact the progression of the narrative. The game's outcome is determined by the collective decisions of the players, with characters evolving as the story unfolds. These characters gain new abilities, reflecting the choices made throughout the game.

Players also have the opportunity to earn Notcoin (NOT) tokens as well as a new in-game currency called WOOF. Initially designed as a points-based system, WOOF has the potential to evolve into a blockchain-based token, similar to the introduction of the NOT token. ^[36][37][38]