Gaming for Cash: The Hidden Risks of Hamster Kombat in Iran

Hamster Kombat, a play-to-earn (PTE) game, has taken the world by storm, with over 300 million users since its launch in March 2024. But in Iran, where the local currency has lost value, the game's appeal is even stronger. A recent study looked at why so many Iranians are playing Hamster Kombat and what risks come with it. The study focused on 529 Iranian players, most of whom were women in their mid-20s. It found that players who were more worried about money, felt more mental stress, or were easily distracted were more likely to play the game in unhealthy ways. Interestingly, those who felt they had a higher social status were less likely to develop problematic gaming habits.The study also discovered that 15% of the players showed signs of both problematic gaming and cryptocurrency trading addiction. This suggests that PTE games, which combine gaming and financial incentives, might be more addictive than regular online games. But why is this happening? One reason could be the fear of missing out (FOMO). Players might feel like they need to keep playing to earn more, even if it's harming their mental health. Another factor could be the game's design, which rewards players for spending more time and money.