With the Telegram ecosystem exploding in popularity, GameFi is seeing a resurgence through mini-apps on Telegram. One notable mini-app is Catizen, which has amassed over 34 million users and even received praise from Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. The game, which has over 800,000 paying users, has confirmed that it will launch its native token, Catizen (CATI), on September 20.
Quick Review
Catizen is a popular Telegram game where players raise and breed virtual cats to earn rewards in vKITTY, the game's main currency.
The CATI token launch has been confirmed for September 20, 2024, after being postponed from the original July target.
With 34 million active players, Catizen aims to expand with more features, including mini-games, TV shows, and e-commerce, to become a broader entertainment platform in Web3.
What is Catizen on Telegram?
Although primarily known as a cat-raising mini-game, Catizen is a broader social entertainment platform within the TON ecosystem. Its unique play-to-earn (P2E) model allows players to earn in-game rewards through a simple yet addictive cat-matching mechanic.
As the player base grows, so do the platform’s ambitions, which include planned integrations with TV shows, e-commerce, and a gaming hub. Within six months of its launch, Catizen has achieved the distinction of becoming the top-grossing mini-app on Telegram, with over 2 million on-chain players, over 800,000 paying users, and an average revenue per user (ARPU) of $33.
In Catizen, players care for virtual cats in a cafe, earning vKITTYs through upgrades and combinations. The more vKITTYs players create, the more chances they have to earn CATI tokens in an upcoming airdrop. With a friendly interface and attractive visuals, Catizen continues to attract millions of players, with its influence extending to both The Open Network (TON) and the Mantle network, which will attract 500,000 more users in 2024.
How Does Catizen Work?
The goal in Catizen is to maximize vKITTY earnings by merging virtual cats and upgrading them to higher levels. New players start with sixteen empty slots that will fill with cats over time. Merging two cats will increase the number of vKITTYs earned per hour, which can be used to buy more cats and upgrades. Players can speed up their progress by using FishCoins, the game's premium currency.
How to Earn FishCoins in Catizen
FishCoins can be earned by completing tasks and achievements, such as daily logins, retweeting, and referring friends. These coins allow players to purchase premium items or speed up progress in the game.
CATI Token Launch Confirmed for September 20, 2024
After months of anticipation, the official launch of the CATI token is set for September 20, 2024. The token will play a key role in the Catizen ecosystem, allowing users to stake, trade, and unlock premium in-game features. The long-awaited CATI airdrop is expected to take place on or shortly after the Token Generation Event (TGE), to reward players for their participation in the game.
“Delaying our airdrop was a difficult decision, and we understand the high expectations the community had for an earlier airdrop, the investments involved, and the emotions attached,” they wrote on Twitter. “We are doing everything we can to achieve the best airdrop outcome for the community, while also considering the long-term growth and sustainability of the CATI token.”
CATI Listing Price Forecast and Pre-Market Trading
Pre-market trading for the CATI token has already begun on platforms like KuCoin. The current price ranges from $0.33 to $0.55, giving early investors the opportunity to speculate on the future value of the token.
How to Qualify for the $CATI Airdrop
To participate in the CATI airdrop, players must:
Play the game: Earn vKITTY by completing daily missions and upgrading cats.
Upgrade Cats: Merge cats to speed up your vKITTY earning.
TON Wallet Connection: Connect a compatible TON wallet like Tonkeeper to the game.
Complete tasks: Participate in social activities, check-ins, and referrals to increase your chances of qualifying for airdrops.
vKITTY Optimization Tips from Catizen
Catizen has refined its airdrop model based on community feedback, prioritizing vKITTY earning speed over total accumulation. Here are some tips to speed up your vKITTY generation:
Unlock Auto-Match Early: This feature, which costs 3,900 FishCoins, automatically pairs cats and collects vKITTYs, significantly increasing your earnings.
Take advantage of the Feed menu: The Feed menu occasionally offers free cats, helping you match and upgrade faster.
Get airdrop rewards: Random airdrop rewards appear in the cafe, providing rewards when you click on them.
Participate in seasonal events: Events like the Wildcat Love Giveaway campaign provide added incentive, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity.
Tokenomics and CATI Distribution
The CATI token will power the Catizen ecosystem, allowing it to transition to a two-token economy. Here is a breakdown of the tokenomics, according to the Catizen white paper:
Total supply: 1 billion CATI
43% for airdrops and ecosystem development
20% goes to Catizen treasury
20% for the team
8% for seed investors
4% for liquidity reserve
3% for strategic investors
2% for advisors
The initial airdrop allocation was set at 35%, but community support led to an increase to 43%.
The Future of Catizen and the TON Ecosystem
The launch of the CATI token on September 20, 2024 marks a major milestone for Catizen and the broader TON ecosystem. With over 34 million users, Catizen is a key part of TON’s GameFi sector. As more Telegram-based games launch their own tokens, CATI has the potential to set the standard for future GameFi projects.
The development roadmap for Catizen includes new game mechanics, a game hub with over 200 mini-games, a short film platform, and an e-commerce site that will accept CATI tokens.
The upcoming launch of the CATI token and its airdrop program represents a significant opportunity for both players and investors. However, given the inherent risks of airdrops and pre-market trading, it is important to stay informed and cautious. Join the community and follow official channels for the latest updates to maximize your rewards and navigate the potential volatility of the token’s early stages.
