Recently, Telegram and the TON Foundation announced an exclusive agreement that requires Telegram's mini-apps (including games) to use TON for cryptocurrency integration, while Telegram will also provide various benefits for projects utilizing the network.
"Making TON the exclusive blockchain integration for Telegram mini-apps is a strategic step forward, consolidating TON's position as one of the leading blockchains globally," TON Foundation Chairman Manuel Stotz told Decrypt.
"Telegram is one of the largest messaging apps globally, with a network of over 950 million active users," he continued, "This means the agreement provides TON with an unparalleled opportunity to be at the core of blockchain innovation on a truly global scale."
Telegram was the original creator of TON, initially called Telegram Open Network, but abandoned the project in 2020 due to regulatory scrutiny. Development continued externally, led by a community of builders, and eventually launched TON as an open network.
In the past year and a half, the connection between Telegram and TON has grown increasingly close. The TON wallet app was launched on Telegram, helping to drive a wave of tap-to-earn crypto games that attracted hundreds of millions of players, led by Hamster Kombat and Notcoin.
Additionally, Telegram began paying a portion of advertising revenue to channel operators through Toncoin (TON) and launched an in-app currency, Telegram Stars, that can be exchanged for TON.
Earlier this month, Telegram revealed plans to allow users to mint tradable NFT in-app stickers on TON. However, through this agreement, Telegram and TON are not just aligned but closely connected.
Telegram mini-apps and games that previously utilized other networks such as Sui or Aptos will be required to migrate to TON and the TON Connect protocol to retain cryptographic functionality.
