In this exclusive interview, Naz Ventura, the visionary founder of TapSwap, takes us through the journey of creating a groundbreaking Web3 gaming platform. He shares the inspiration behind TapSwap, its focus on skill-based gaming, and how blockchain technology enhances transparency and fairness. Ventura also provides insights into the platform’s future plans, including tournaments, staking, and community engagement strategies. Dive into the world of TapSwap and discover how it’s reshaping gaming in the Web3 space.
Q1. Could you start by introducing TapSwap to those who may not be familiar with it? What inspired you to create this platform, and what gap in the market are you aiming to fill?
TapSwap began as a simple mini-app on Telegram, letting players earn tokens by tapping their screens in various in-game challenges. We were among the pioneers of this genre, which has now exploded with many projects. TapSwap quickly became popular because of its simplistic gameplay and the fact that users could play it on the go. And now, we have realized the potential to evolve into something bigger — a skill-based gaming platform.
The inspiration came from my own love for gaming and my frustration with pay-to-win models dominating the scene. I wanted to create a space where success wasn’t tied to spending power but to actual skill. There’s a massive gap in the market for fair, skill-driven competition, especially within Web3 gaming, where incentives often lean toward hype over meaningful gameplay.
With TapSwap, we’re bridging that gap by focusing on rewarding true competitive spirit. It’s all about giving players the tools to excel based on ability, not their wallets.
Q2. With the TON blockchain’s TVL reaching $291.7 million and Telegram nearing 900 million users, how do you see TapSwap contributing to this thriving ecosystem?
TapSwap was early in the game, launching well before Telegram mini-apps became the trend. The fact that we pulled in 63 million users in just a few months, with zero marketing, speaks volumes about the organic demand and appeal. That momentum built TapSwap and brought fresh eyes and new participants into the TON ecosystem.
With both Telegram and TON’s ecosystem reaching new highs, we see TapSwap as a bridge between casual users and the blockchain space. We’re making it easier for players to explore what Web3 has to offer without the usual complexities. Tapswap is driving the adoption of both platforms and building awareness of the TON blockchain in a way that feels natural and fun.
Q3. TapSwap focuses on skill-based gaming rather than Pay2Win mechanics. Why was this an important design choice for your platform?
Pay2Win mechanics have always been a pain point for gamers, including myself. They create an uneven playing field, where success hinges on spending power rather than ability. That takes the fun out of gaming and turns what should be a test of skill into a contest of who can shell out the most money. With TapSwap, we made a deliberate choice to break away from that model.
Our focus is on rewarding genuine effort and talent. Players progress based on their abilities, not their wallets, which brings back the sense of fair competition. It’s a design choice that resonates deeply with Web3 principles like fairness and transparency. We’re delivering a gaming environment that’s enjoyable, accessible, and also more equitable for everyone involved.
Q4. How does blockchain technology enhance transparency and fairness in TapSwap’s gameplay, and how do players perceive these benefits?
Blockchain brings a layer of transparency and fairness to TapSwap that traditional gaming platforms can’t match. Every transaction on the platform is secure, and every action is fully traceable. This means players can verify prize pools, ensuring that what’s promised is exactly what they’ll receive. There’s no room for hidden fees or behind-the-scenes manipulation, which has been a common frustration in conventional gaming.
For players, this trust factor is a game-changer. Knowing that their tokens, winnings, and progress are transparently managed builds confidence in the platform.
Q5. What features or developments are you most excited about for TapSwap in the coming months?
I’m especially excited about introducing some popular skill-based games to TapSwap. These games are designed to challenge players and showcase their abilities, and as a gamer myself, I can’t wait to jump in and compete alongside the community. It’s going to be a blast seeing how players engage with these games and watching the competition heat up. Beyond that, the team is thrilled about the platform’s overall growth. Features like tournaments, meaningful rewards, and blockchain-driven transparency will set TapSwap apart from other Web3 games.
Q6. Could you elaborate on how tournaments and TAPS token staking work? How do these features create value for players beyond traditional gaming?
Tournaments are at the heart of TapSwap. They let players dive into skill-based challenges, competing for prize pools funded with TAPS tokens. It allows them to showcase their abilities in a competitive environment while earning real rewards. These tournaments bring a new level of excitement and purpose to gaming, giving players a clear incentive to level up their skills.
Staking takes things a step further. It allows players to lock in their TAPS tokens and earn passive income while contributing to the stability and growth of the ecosystem. It’s a win-win: players benefit financially, and the platform grows stronger with their support.
Together, tournaments and staking create a dynamic loop of engagement and reward. It combines entertainment with tangible value, something traditional platforms can’t offer.
Q7. What strategies are you implementing to attract and retain players, especially in regions like Europe, which accounts for a significant portion of TON gaming users?
We’re keeping it simple and focused when it comes to attracting and retaining players, especially in Europe, where TON gaming has a strong foothold. Targeted marketing is a big part of our strategy. We’re working on campaigns that speak directly to the gaming culture and preferences of European players. Instead of broad outreach, we’re focusing on the platforms and communities where they’re most active.
Engaging with the community is just as important. We’re hosting events, collecting player feedback, and staying active on social channels to build genuine connections. Gamers value being part of something where their input matters, and we’re making that a priority.
Q8. During the AMA, you emphasized quality and sustainable development over rushing features. Could you share more about this philosophy and how it has shaped TapSwap’s roadmap?
Rushing to push out features might create buzz initially, but it often leads to bigger problems down the line. We’ve seen it happen with other projects—shortcuts in development usually end up frustrating users. That’s why we are committed to taking the time needed to build something that works seamlessly and delivers real value.
This approach shapes everything we do, from ensuring the TAPS token has meaningful utility to creating a gaming experience that feels polished and rewarding. While some players have voiced concerns about delays, we’d rather face that upfront than release something half-baked.
The goal has always been to build a platform that lasts and genuinely serves its users. Once players get their hands on the finished product, I believe they’ll see why this approach matters.
Q9. What are the biggest challenges you face in balancing innovation with sustainability in the competitive gaming space?
Balancing innovation with sustainability is definitely one of the toughest parts of building a platform like TapSwap. The gaming industry is fast-paced, and there’s always pressure to roll out new features to keep up with trends or competitors. But rushing innovation can lead to a messy user experience or instability, and that’s not what we want for our players.
Our focus is on thoughtful, deliberate innovation—adding features that truly enhance the platform while keeping things stable and fair. It’s a challenge to find that sweet spot where progress doesn’t compromise the experience for players. We are constantly asking ourselves how each update or feature fits into our long-term vision rather than just chasing what’s hot at the moment.
Q10. Navigating the regulatory landscape is a significant challenge for blockchain projects. How has TapSwap ensured compliance and security for its users?
Compliance and security are non-negotiable for us. The blockchain space comes with its share of regulatory hurdles, so we’ve partnered with legal experts to make sure we’re fully aligned with the laws in every region we operate.
On the security front, we’ve implemented strong measures to safeguard user data and assets. From smart contract audits to advanced encryption protocols, our security team is working round-the-clock to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities. Balancing compliance and security with a smooth user experience is no small task, but it’s one we’re fully committed to.
Q11. Are there specific legal hurdles or opportunities that influence your strategy for expanding TapSwap globally?
One of the biggest hurdles is the variation in regulations from region to region. What’s permissible in one country might be restricted in another, especially when it comes to blockchain and digital assets. To address this, we work closely with legal advisors in each market to ensure compliance while keeping the platform accessible.
On the flip side, some regions have regulatory clarity and provide the scope for blockchain and gaming developments to thrive. Countries with clear and supportive regulations allow us to move faster and focus on delivering value to players. These opportunities influence where we prioritize expansion.
Q12. Where do you see TapSwap in the next 2-3 years? How do you envision it evolving in the broader gaming and blockchain ecosystem?
In the next 2-3 years, I see TapSwap becoming a major leader in Web3 gaming. Our goal is to create a platform where players come for the games but stay for the community and opportunities. By then, we want a diverse ecosystem of skill-based games, regular tournaments with significant prize pools, and a loyal player base that’s both competitive and collaborative.
Partnerships with developers will play a big role in this evolution. We want to collaborate with creators who bring fresh ideas and engaging gameplay, so we can continuously expand what TapSwap offers.
Beyond that, I envision the platform integrating deeper into the broader blockchain ecosystem, exploring features like interoperability with other Web3 projects and creating even more utility for TAPS.
Q13. Lastly, what message would you like to share with the gaming community, especially those curious about entering the Web3 space through TapSwap?
I want to say a heartfelt thank you to our amazing community. Your support, enthusiasm, and trust have been the foundation of everything we’ve built so far. It’s your passion that inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and creating something truly unique.
To anyone curious about stepping into Web3 gaming, TapSwap is a great place to start. You don’t need to be a blockchain expert to jump in—it’s all about having fun, testing your skills, and exploring a space that rewards effort and talent.
