Project Overview
I designed a Telegram bot and a mini-game similar to the popular "Hamster" game, focusing on Iranian users. As a Lead product designer, my goal was to create an engaging experience for the local audience. The game attracted around one million users and players, and was released in two different seasons.
Challenge
The main challenge was the similarity of our game to "Hamster," which created an indirect competition. Many users already knew "Hamster," so we had to find ways to make our game unique and attractive. Another challenge was deciding how to reward users, and how to motivate them to keep playing.
Solution
We decided to use rewards in Iranian Rial and other tokens, to connect better with users. Unlike "Hamster," which only gave rewards at the end of the season, we offered multiple prizes at different times. This made users more excited and motivated to play regularly. Also, the familiar gameplay helped users start easily.
Impact & Results
The game was a big success, attracting about one million users. Players enjoyed the frequent rewards, and many gave positive feedback about the local focus and friendly experience. The game became popular quickly and kept players active during both seasons.
Desgin Process
For this project, I used the design thinking process. First, I talked to Iranian users to understand their needs. Then, I defined the main challenge: making a game like "Hamster" but better for local users. I brainstormed new ideas, built a simple prototype, and tested it with some players. After getting feedback, I improved the design and launched the game on Telegram. I continued to listen to users and updated the game for each season.
