The open network or TON is one of the most discussed blockchain innovations in a while. Developed by the Telegram team, it was destined to remain a seamless and secure network. Today, it is far more than that and permits multiple use cases. Numerous projects have emerged within the TON ecosystem that enriches blockchain technology.

The TON Ecosystem

As described by Rusanov, Vasin, and Sergey, by 2018, the TON team developed a full-fledged blockchain to support the network and provide high-speed transactions.  Today, the TON ecosystem includes a vast range of services and products. The first example is cryptocurrency, of course, and TON includes a variety of platforms and exchanges to deal with these currencies. Moreover, the financial sector is well-represented in the ecosystem with trading and lending products, for example.

The second use case is games and a large number of related projects are to operate within the TON ecosystem. In general, it is an open-source network and one might expect new projects to emerge at any time. All in all, TON is a promising ecosystem.

Notable Projects in the TON Ecosystem

Tether’s Integration with TON

• Functionality: Integration of USDT and XAUT (gold-backed stablecoin) on TON blockchain.
• Key Features:
  • Enables seamless peer-to-peer transactions.
  • Boosts DeFi applications on TON.
  • Stablecoin support attracts more users.
• Stats:
  • Initial Minting: $60 million worth of USDT minted within days.
  • Current Circulation: Over $200 million in less than a month, marking the fastest-growing launch in USDT’s history​.

Notcoin

The Notcoin game is an applet on Telegram in which users tap on a virtual coin and earn tokens, which can then be converted into $NOT cryptocurrency. The Notcoin game has proven incredibly popular, with more than 35 million active users by the time token redemptions for $NOT launched on May 16, 2024.

• Functionality: A play-to-earn game leveraging the TON blockchain.
• Key Features:
  • Tap-to-earn mechanics.
  • Missions, quests, and power-ups.
  • Community building with squads and referrals.
• Stats:
  • User Base: Over 35 million users.
  • Pre-market Trading Volume: Millions in volume before the official launch .

Catizen

Catizen stands out for its play-to-earn model, which lets you convert in-game coins into real cryptocurrency tokens through airdrops on The Open Network (TON). This model has attracted many players looking to monetize their gaming experience.

• Functionality: The largest gaming platform on the TON ecosystem.
• Key Features:
  • Daily active users and on-chain interactions.
  • Strategic partnerships with other TON projects.
  • Rapid user growth and engagement.
• Stats:
  • User Base: Over 9 million total users.
  • Daily Active Users: 1.75 million.
  • On-chain Users: 678,000​ .

STON.fi

STON.fi is an AMM DEX for the TON blockchain. STON.fi is a decentralized automated market maker (AMM) built on the TON blockchain providing virtually zero fees, low slippage, an extremely easy interface, and direct integration with TON wallets.

• Functionality: Decentralized Automated Market Maker (AMM) on TON.
• Key Features:
  • Token swap and liquidity pools.
  • Farming for additional rewards.
  • Integrated with TON wallets for seamless trading.
• Stats:
  • Liquidity: Active liquidity pools supporting various tokens.
  • User Engagement: High user activity driven by low-slippage and no-fee trading.

TON Map

TON Map is an innovative platform tied to the TON blockchain and Telegram, offering a unique opportunity to purchase pixels for advertising, self-expression, marking history, social interaction, and gaming.

• Functionality: Interactive 1000×1000 pixel canvas within Telegram.
• Key Features:
  • Users can claim and customize pixels.
  • Advertising and community engagement platform.
  • Token integration and NFT features.
• Stats:
  • Pixel Customization: Thousands of pixels claimed and customized.
  • User Interaction: High engagement through interactive map features​ .

Gram

• Functionality: Decentralized token mining using video cards.
• Key Features:
  • Fast transaction speeds.
  • Accessible to anyone with a video card.
  • Active trading on platforms like STON.fi.
• Stats:
  • Mining Capability: Millions of transactions per second.
  • Trading Volume: Significant trading activity through Telegram’s Cryptorg bot​ .

TonUp

• Functionality: Premier Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) platform on TON.
• Key Features:
  • Staking and rewards for UP token holders.
  • Governance participation.
  • Transparent funding for new tokens.
• Stats:
  • Community Involvement: High participation in staking and governance.
  • Platform Usage: Growing number of IEOs and user engagement​.

Hamster Kombat

The new Telegram-based game, Hamster Kombat, has taken over the crypto and Web3 world by storm getting viral on Twitter.

Hamster Kombat has gained millions of users and 31 million subscribers to its YouTube channel.Hamster Kombat’s rapid growth can be attributed to its accessibility through the Telegram platform, requiring no additional downloads.While the game appears to be safe, its tokenomics and whitepaper are still to be launched. Therefore, users must remain cautious.

• Functionality: Engages users with interactive gaming integrated into the TON network.
• Key Features:
  • Unique gaming experience with Telegram integration.
  • Drives on-chain activity and increases TVL.
  • Supports onboarding of new users to the Web3 ecosystem.
• Stats:
  • Game Popularity: Increasing user engagement through popular Telegram games like TapSwap and Pixelverse.
  • Ecosystem Impact: Significant contribution to TON’s growing activity metrics​.

Arkham Intelligence Partnership

• Functionality: Enhances blockchain data analysis for TON users.
• Key Features:
  • Advanced crypto data analysis tools.
  • Special Telegram mini-app for easy access to data.
  • Broadens accessibility and understanding of blockchain data.
• Stats:
  • User Reach: Targets millions of TON and Telegram users.
  • Integration: Direct support for TON on Arkham’s platform​ .

YESCOIN

Yescoin is a straightforward Web3 game accessible via Telegram, where players swipe their screens to win free gold coins. In just a month, millions have engaged with this simple yet enjoyable game, offering a user-friendly introduction to TON blockchain technology.

• Functionality: Enhances exposure through strategic partnerships within the TON ecosystem.
• Key Features:
  • Collaborates with major TON projects like Catizen.
  • Aims to increase user engagement and ecosystem growth.
• Stats:
  • User Growth: Benefits from Catizen’s rapid user increase, now over 9 million.
  • Strategic Impact: Boosts ecosystem synergy and user interaction.

The Future of TON

The TON ecosystem continues to thrive with a diverse range of innovative projects, from gaming platforms like Catizen and Hamster Kombat to financial integrations with Tether and Oobit. Each project contributes to the vibrant and interconnected nature of TON, showcasing the blockchain’s potential for substantial growth.

Whether you’re a developer looking to build on TON or an investor seeking the next big opportunity, the TON ecosystem offers a wealth of possibilities. Its unique blend of creative projects and robust technology makes it an exciting space to watch.

Happy investing and exploring the ever-evolving world of TON!