Catizen is a cryptocurrency and gaming platform built within The Open Network (TON) ecosystem, integrated closely with Telegram’s blockchain-based features. Launched as a social and entertainment platform, Catizen allows players to engage in a "cat-raising" play-to-earn game, where users adopt virtual cats and earn tokens through gameplay, which can then be converted into real-world value. The TON blockchain enables Catizen to operate seamlessly within Telegram, leveraging smart contracts to manage in-game assets and rewards, such as NFTs representing unique cat characters, which players can trade on the marketplace.
The primary in-game currency within Catizen is known as the CATI token, which serves as both a reward mechanism and a governance token for the ecosystem. Players can earn CATI tokens by completing tasks, participating in league rankings, and receiving rewards through special airdrop events. In addition, the game’s mechanics allow for the earning and use of other in-game tokens, like Fish Coins and xZEN points, to facilitate various gameplay functions, from purchasing boosts to building structures in the game. CATI tokens, however, are the platform's core crypto asset and can be traded on exchanges, giving users access to real-world value.
Catizen’s expansion plans include the development of a Game Center that will host additional games built on the same platform, making it a mini-hub for Web3 gaming within Telegram. This approach echoes popular Web2 game distribution services like Steam, but with a focus on decentralized, crypto-driven gameplay. By hosting third-party games, Catizen plans to diversify its revenue streams and attract a broader audience within the TON ecosystem. These expansions, including staking and revenue-sharing opportunities, make it possible for users to generate passive income by holding or staking CATI tokens.
Catizen has quickly grown in popularity, gathering millions of users on Telegram since its release. The platform's success highlights the growing interest in blockchain-based gaming within social media ecosystems, especially with TON’s integration of decentralized finance (DeFi) features and wallet support.