From pennies to prosperity in the satirical world of tap-to-earn gaming: Interview with Bums

Tap-to-earn games are drawing attention for their unique blend of entertainment and economic opportunity. Bums , a tap-to-earn game that has amassed over 10 million players in one month, offers a satirical take on societal issues like wealth and status, all within a simple, engaging gameplay structure on Telegram.

In this interview, Artem Rasskazov, chief business development officer at Bums, discusses the game’s rapid rise, how it balances humor with sensitive themes and what sets it apart in the crypto gaming landscape.

Cointelegraph: Web3 gaming is enjoying a surge in popularity. How do you see the overall evolution of the blockchain gaming industry?

Artem Rasskazov: The future is always uncertain, but I believe that in the coming years, Web3 gaming will prioritize personal data management and the creation of digital legacies. Looking further ahead, I foresee the industry evolving toward immersive virtual worlds where digital and real economies seamlessly merge.

CT: Why did you pick Telegram as the base instead of developing a dedicated mobile app? What’s your take on the growth of the Telegram ecosystem?

AR: Here’s why it made sense for us: a young app market, an extensive Telegram user base, a user-friendly experience and the exceptional synergy between The Open Network (TON) and Telegram. Add to that the increasing public interest in cryptocurrencies and the low barriers to entering Web3, and you have the ideal conditions for a skilled team to create something truly legendary.

CT: Bums has an ironic and satirical approach to homelessness and societal inequality. What inspired the idea behind the game, and how do you balance humor with such a sensitive theme?

AR: Humor is a vital tool for facing life’s challenges, allowing us to get through even the toughest moments with a lighter heart. When you hit rock bottom, surrounded by worries with just a dollar in your pocket, sometimes the only thing left to do is smile and play along with fate’s game.

The difficulty may be set to hardcore, but there’s always a chance to overcome it and enjoy the ride. I say this from experience, as I’ve been there and continue to push forward. Throughout our development, we’ve taken players’ and community feedback, striving to keep the humor respectful and free of harmful stereotypes.

CT: With over 10 million players in just one month, Bums has quickly become a sensation. What do you think sets it apart from other crypto-based games currently on the market?

AR: Nearly 15 million and counting! While many factors have contributed to this success, our incredible community stands out as the most important one. Much love to you all, homies!

CT: Bums touches on social issues like the obsession with wealth and status. How do you hope the game’s ironic tone will resonate with players?

AR: Obsession with wealth usually comes from the desire to improve one’s living conditions. In today’s world, most people start their journey to a better life from difficult circumstances. But it’s crucial to stay grounded, remembering where you came from and why you’re doing all this.

CT: Given that crypto gaming can sometimes be complex for newcomers, how do you ensure that Bums is accessible to a broader audience, particularly those unfamiliar with crypto?

AR: One of our primary goals is to continually lower the entry barrier and ensure that future interactions with the token are as user-friendly as possible. We have tutorials and a clear sequence of actions, and we are continually improving the onboarding process and guiding users through the game.

CT: What are the biggest challenges your team has faced in developing and promoting a game like Bums, which combines satire, social commentary and blockchain technology?

AR: Our biggest challenge has been avoiding the mainstream templates while ensuring that the user experience remains simple and intuitive. It’s also important to highlight that maintaining the right narrative is a challenge for us, especially considering the overall theme. However, we are committed to ensuring that the humor surrounding the game remains non-toxic. As I mentioned earlier, we’re only at the beginning of this journey — so buckle up!

CT: How do you view the role of games like Bums in shaping the future of the play-to-earn and tap-to-earn models?

AR: The Telegram Mini Apps trend has brought significant attention to the crypto space, reaching individuals who were previously unaware of the industry or held skeptical views.

Right now, our goal is to make Bums the brightest star in the crypto gaming universe, and we are working tirelessly to achieve it!