Hamster Kombat, a popular Telegram-based game, is facing uncertainty due to internal conflicts and disputes with investors. Recent reports have revealed tensions within the project that could impact the highly anticipated HMSTR token airdrop and overall development. The controversy began when local media outlet Lenta.ru reported internal conflicts within the team, particularly involving a dispute with investor AD.RU. The article alleged that the game’s creators refused to share profits with AD.RU despite its significant financial involvement in the project.
Anton Gorshkov, CEO of AD.RU, claims that his firm played a crucial role in the game’s development by initially investing $600,000 in a collaboration proposed by Eduard Gurinovich in 2020 for a mobile gaming and esports platform called Arenum. Gurinovich, known as one of the masterminds behind Hamster Kombat, later refuted AD.RU’s claims in June 2024, stating that the company had no role in developing the game. This led to potential legal challenges as AD.RU presented evidence linking Hamster Kombat’s servers to Arenum.
In August, the project faced another setback when marketing director Nikita Anufriev left, claiming that he was promised a stake in the company’s revenue or shares which he never received. This departure, along with discord among influencers and participants due to funds being returned to early investors instead of shared profits, has further exacerbated internal conflicts within Hamster Kombat. These conflicts could potentially disrupt funding and project growth, impacting server stability and causing delays in the HMSTR token airdrop.
The implications of these internal conflicts are significant for Hamster Kombat players and the project’s future. The postponement of the HMSTR token airdrop, originally scheduled for late July, has caused disappointment and skepticism within the community. The team cited technical complexities with the TON blockchain and potential network overload as reasons for the delay. Additionally, legal and financial disputes may divert attention from project development and growth, potentially leading to server issues or outages.
Despite these challenges, Hamster Kombat maintains a strong social media following with 35.1 million subscribers on YouTube and 12.6 million followers on X (formerly Twitter) as of August 19. However, the uncertainty surrounding the project’s internal conflicts and the postponed HMSTR token airdrop continue to cast a shadow over its future. The team’s ability to resolve disputes, secure funding, and address community concerns will be crucial in determining the success and longevity of Hamster Kombat in the competitive blockchain gaming industry.