Aptos Blockchain Sees Record Transactions, Fueled by Playful “Tap-to-Earn” Game

Aptos (APT), a Layer 1 blockchain developed by former Facebook employees, has surged in transaction volume, surpassing established players like Solana and Sui.

Record-Breaking Day for Aptos

On May 25th, Aptos processed a staggering 115.4 million transactions, eclipsing Solana’s 31.7 million and setting a new daily record for Layer 1 blockchains. This surge also pushed Aptos’ user transactions per second (TPS) to an all-time high of 32,000, signifying a significant increase in network activity.

Tapos Cat: A Game Changer (or Gimmick?)

The primary driver behind this surge is the launch of “Tapos Cat,” a new “tap-to-earn” game on the Aptos network. In Tapos Cat, users earn rewards by “tickling” a virtual cat, resulting in a high volume of micro-transactions. The game’s free gas fees for the initial period further incentivized participation and inflated transaction numbers.

Concerns and Counterpoints

While impressive, some industry experts question the long-term value of Tapos Cat. They argue it prioritizes inflating metrics over genuine user utility.

Aptos supporters, however, defend the game as a valuable engineering project. They believe it showcases Aptos’ scalability and paves the way for future developments.

Aptos Labs Charts Ambitious Course

Aptos Labs, the team behind Aptos, remains dedicated to expanding user access to decentralized assets. Recent appointments of prominent advisors like David Lawee, formerly of Google, bolster their commitment to growth. Additionally, Aptos Labs partnered with South Korean telecom giant SK Telecom for a Web3 wallet service, demonstrating their focus on real-world applications.

Outpacing Competitors, But Can It Last?

Aptos has temporarily surpassed rivals like Polygon and Sui in terms of transaction volume. APT price also witnessed an 11% rise this week, indicating investor interest.

However, Aptos lags behind established players in crucial areas like Decentralized Exchange (DEX) volume and Total Value Locked (TVL). Maintaining momentum requires a broader application ecosystem beyond Tapos Cat.