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

The Rise of Hamster Kombat

Hamster Kombat, a play-to-earn (PTE) game, has captured global attention with over 300 million users since its launch in March 2024. However, its appeal is particularly strong in Iran, where the local currency has lost significant value.

The Study: Why Iranians Are Drawn to Hamster Kombat

A recent study examined 529 Iranian players, primarily women in their mid-20s, to understand the game's addictive nature and associated risks.

Key Findings

• Financial Stress & Mental Health: Players who were more financially anxious, mentally stressed, or easily distracted were more likely to develop unhealthy gaming habits.
• Social Status Influence: Those who felt they had higher social status were less prone to problematic gaming behavior.
• Dual Addiction Risk: 15% of players showed signs of both problematic gaming and cryptocurrency trading addiction, suggesting that PTE games may be more addictive than traditional online games.

Why Is This Happening?

• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Players may feel compelled to keep playing to earn more, even at the expense of their mental well-being.
• Game Design: The game's structure rewards prolonged play and spending, potentially exacerbating addictive behavior.