Recent investigative journalism by The Bell has uncovered intriguing details about Eduard Gurinovich, a prominent Russian IT entrepreneur known for founding the CarPrice and CarMoney companies. He is now revealed as one of the masterminds behind the viral game Hamster Kombat, a fact that ties the game intriguingly to Russian tech circles.
Background on Eduard Gurinovich
Eduard Gurinovich, a noted figure in the tech industry, has been recognized on Forbes’ “30 under 30” list in 2019. His venture, CarPrice, has been one of the top 100 talked-about startups in Europe, amassing around $42 million in investment. In 2017, Gurinovich stepped down as CEO of CarPrice to focus on various tech startups including Dbrain and R-Set, and also launched his own projects such as Expload—a blockchain platform that rewards players for engagement.
In 2018, he innovated further by creating Mytime, a blockchain platform that compensates users with cryptocurrency for their time spent on various services, striving to cut out middlemen in business-user interactions.
Link to Hamster Kombat
Gurinovich’s connection to Hamster Kombat was substantiated when it was revealed that another domain related to the game’s main domain—hamsterkombat.com—was registered under suspicious circumstances. Both domains were registered on the same day, suggesting coordination. This second domain registration pointed to the Cyprus-based company Arenum Ltd, with Gurinovich listed as a shareholder alongside other Russian entrepreneurs such as Alexander Zelenshchikov and Alexander Pasechnik.
Hamster Kombat’s Integration with Telegram
Hamster Kombat isn’t just a game; it serves as a significant promotional platform for Telegram, leveraging the messenger to expand its reach and integrate new crypto functionalities. The game operates as a Telegram bot, inviting players to step into the shoes of a cryptocurrency exchange CEO, tapping on a virtual hamster to collect coins and purchase bonuses.
The launch of Hamster Kombat has reportedly been one of Telegram’s largest free marketing campaigns, according to sources familiar with its development. The game’s integration is seen as a strategic move to enhance Telegram’s functionality, similar to how WeChat operates in China, providing various services within a single platform.
Growing Popularity of Telegram Games
Telegram has evolved beyond a messaging app, now hosting simple yet engaging games. These games, like Hamster Kombat, are designed for high performance across varying connection speeds, emphasizing accessibility and quick gameplay over intricate graphics. This gaming model not only enhances user engagement but also boosts Telegram’s appeal and user base.
As Hamster Kombat continues to gain traction, it underscores the potential for messenger platforms to serve as powerful tools for tech innovation and crypto integration. This game represents a significant step in blending entertainment with practical blockchain technology, opening up new avenues for user engagement and digital currency adoption.
This deep dive into Hamster Kombat’s background, its connections with prominent Russian tech figures, and its strategic use of Telegram’s platform highlights the multifaceted impacts of this viral game. It’s not just reshaping gaming; it’s forging new paths for crypto and tech innovation.
