One thing that Telegram mini-games proved is that crypto adoption doesn’t necessarily start by pushing complex technologies and burdensome onboarding processes that considerably hinder user experience.

With just a few mechanics and clear in-game economies and rewards, Telegram-based crypto games made headlines throughout 2024, creating a fuss on social media and contributing a large chunk of growth to Telegram’s user base.

All of this is thanks to The Open Network (TON), one of the largest blockchain ecosystems in the DeFi space. But is it just mini-games? No, it’s a complex system with sophisticated mechanisms tailored to developers’ demands. From liquid staking protocols to building a DAO or a Domain Name Service (DNS), TON has become a Web3 powerhouse.

In the following guide, you’ll learn not only how it works but also all the key components that sustain the ecosystem and make it unique in the crypto space. You’ll also learn about the most popular DeFi projects and its flagship coin, Toncoin.

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What Is The Open Network (TON)?

The Open Network (TON) is a blockchain platform designed for seamless integration with other blockchain systems, aiming to make exchanging digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), as straightforward as everyday messaging.

Initially developed by Telegram, the messaging app developed and led by brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, TON has evolved into a next-generation blockchain focused on speed, scalability, and user accessibility.

Quick History Recap

TON’s origins trace back to Telegram’s vision of creating a blockchain that could support its vast community and enhance the app’s ecosystem with a platform capable of handling secure and rapid transactions.

While it was a sound project at the beginning, regulatory obstacles didn’t take long to kick in. TON was originally called Telegram Open Network and raised over $1.7 billion through a private token sale in 2018. However, a year later, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Telegram, alleging that the token offering was an unregistered securities sale.

This caused Telegram’s withdrawal from the project, handing out the development of the b