Concerns have been raised regarding the popular online game Hamster Kombat, which allows users to earn virtual coins by clicking on a hamster. Anatoly Aksakov, the chairman of the State Duma committee on the financial market in Russia, has called for a ban on the game, labeling it as “clearly fraudulent.” Aksakov believes that the game manipulates users and exploits their psychology for financial gain.
Aksakov expressed worry over the game’s potential to mislead people into thinking they can easily make money without real work, particularly highlighting the risks it poses to young players. Aside from clicking on hamsters, the game also includes tasks like watching YouTube videos to earn virtual coins, with some videos quickly accumulating millions of views, causing concerns.
Despite its immense popularity, authorities in various countries, including Russia, are increasingly alarmed by Hamster Kombat. Reports have emerged of parents seeking help from psychiatrists due to their children’s excessive obsession with the game. Critics have likened the game to a financial pyramid scheme, with some nations considering penalties for attempts to convert virtual currency into real money.
The creators of Hamster Kombat have teased the idea of allowing players to convert their in-game savings into real money through cryptocurrency exchanges, sparking further interest among users. However, no concrete timelines or assurances have been provided yet. The game employs various tactics, such as watching videos and inviting friends, to accelerate profit growth.
With a massive following of 239 million subscribers in just three months, Hamster Kombat shows no signs of slowing down and intends to introduce its own cryptocurrency on the Ton blockchain to sustain its expansion. Recently, a new scam targeting Russian users was uncovered, involving fraudsters luring players with promises of converting gaming coins into rubles through a phishing site. These criminals trick unsuspecting victims into providing their personal information, ultimately granting them access to Telegram accounts.