TL;DR: In this episode, NCNG host Raphael Rocher speaks with Mindy Suh, founder of Nifty Nerds Network (NNN) (by Fananas), a blockchain gaming ecosystem focused on meme-coin and game-based projects—built primarily for the Telegram Mini Apps environment and prioritizing TON for distribution and scale. Mindy shares her background in investment banking and private equity, explains why NNN was created to lower the barriers for gamers and creators entering Web3, and outlines NNN’s “Game + MemeFi” approach that blends meme culture, community, and gameplay. The conversation covers why reward-only play-to-earn models struggle with long-term sustainability, why Telegram’s 1B+ user base changes the mass-adoption equation, and how NNN helps indie developers launch: onboarding, smart-contract templates, NFT integrations, economy models, SDK support for Unity/web projects, plus marketing and community-building support. Mindy’s top advice: start small, leverage existing tools, and build community early. She closes by teasing upcoming (NDA) game launches, an airdrop season, and a new app release with upgraded UI/UX.
Context
Raphael Rocher welcomes Mindy Suh, founder of Nifty Nerds Network (NNN) (by Fananas), to discuss where Web3 gaming is heading—and how Telegram Mini Apps can become a major distribution channel for game creators. Mindy introduces NNN as a blockchain gaming ecosystem that blends meme culture, gaming, and Web3, with a mission to make building and launching games more accessible.
They explore the limits of reward-only play-to-earn mechanics, NNN’s exclusive focus on Telegram Mini Apps (while prioritizing TON as the core infrastructure), and how the platform supports indie developers from concept to launch through tooling, SDKs, and community-building. The conversation ends with Mindy’s practical advice for new builders and a teaser of NNN’s upcoming UI/UX release and an airdrop season.
Conversation Transcript
Introduction
Raphael Rocher (Host, NCNG): You can introduce yourself and tell us what you do—who you are—in three or four sentences.
Mindy Suh (Founder, Nifty Nerds Network): Hi, I’m Mindy, and I lead Nifty Nerds Network—NNN. We’re a blockchain ecosystem focused on meme coins and game-based projects. Prior to Web3, I ran my own private equity firm named Oasis Equity Partners, after eight years in investment banking.
My mission is to bridge the gap between traditional gaming and blockchain Web3, bringing innovative game content and launchpad services to creators and developers—particularly through Telegram Mini Apps and TON.
Why NNN Exists
Raphael Rocher (Host, NCNG): Is there a reason why you decided to start NNN? What was your thinking, and why did you pivot from your previous career?
Mindy Suh (Founder, Nifty Nerds Network): NNN was born from the realization that gamers and creators need a more accessible way to enter the blockchain space without the high barriers typically associated with it.
Our platform is designed to democratize game creation, giving developers a launchpad to bring their games to life—while ensuring players have fun and rewarding experiences through our unique “Game + MemeFi” model. By merging meme culture, gaming, and Web3, we’re changing how creators and consumers interact, making it easier and more rewarding for everyone involved.
The Future of Web3 Gaming & Play-to-Earn
Raphael Rocher (Host, NCNG): GameFi and Web3 gaming have been major drivers for blockchain adoption. What do you think will be the future of gaming? And do you think the play-to-earn model still has a future, or will it evolve?
Mindy Suh (Founder, Nifty Nerds Network): Since 2019, play-to-earn has been hyped, and reward-based models have been effective at creating momentum. But we all know the lack of sustainability in the long run.
We believe the future of gaming will rely on deeper engagement beyond rewards. Building in the Telegram ecosystem, we see parallels with what Kakao Games and WeChat achieved—massive user bases and platform-native experiences. That gives us a clear view into a potential future where community-driven content and richer gaming experiences will dominate.
Why Telegram Mini Apps & TON
Raphael Rocher (Host, NCNG): Is that the reason why you decided to work mainly with TON and Telegram? Are you exclusive with TON, or do you integrate other infrastructures?
Mindy Suh (Founder, Nifty Nerds Network): We are exclusive on Telegram Mini Apps, but not exclusive on TON—though we obviously prioritize our apps and games building on TON.
When we first started building in TON, the price was around one to two dollars and there was hardly any attention. TON was overshadowed by regulatory concerns, and its technology being different from EVM made many people hesitant to join the ecosystem.
We saw it as an opportunity to create a technical edge by being early builders. More importantly, Telegram’s massive user base—over one billion people—offers a unique chance for mass adoption. As the Telegram Mini App SDK evolves and expands, the scalability and opportunities are huge, aligning with our vision.
How Developers Launch with NNN
Raphael Rocher (Host, NCNG): How does it work for game makers to start working with you? Let’s say I have a game I’d like to publish—what steps do I go through?
Mindy Suh (Founder, Nifty Nerds Network): Indie game developers are a core focus for us, so the process is simple. After onboarding, developers gain access to our tools and resources—including smart contract templates, NFT integration options, and game-economy models.
We also provide SDKs for Unity and web-based projects to onboard games, plus social features. We guide teams through the entire launch process—from initial concept to games launched on Telegram and other platforms—while helping them build a community around their game through the NNN ecosystem. We also offer marketing and strategic support to ensure games reach the right audience.
Three Pieces of Advice for New Game Builders
Raphael Rocher (Host, NCNG): Many developers have strong ideas but feel unsure about how to make them happen. If you had three pieces of advice for a young game maker who doesn’t know where to start, what would they be?
Mindy Suh (Founder, Nifty Nerds Network): First, start small—don’t aim to build the perfect game right away. Focus on the core mechanic and the “core fun” features.
Second, leverage existing Web3 tools so you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Platforms like us provide resources and templates that reduce complexity.
Third, focus on building a community early. Gaming and Web3 thrive on strong, engaged communities that can offer feedback and support as you develop your project. And if it still feels overwhelming, we can connect developers with game studios and project planners.
What’s Next
Raphael Rocher (Host, NCNG): Before we close, any big updates coming for NNN—any games we should pay attention to, or anything you want to highlight?
Mindy Suh (Founder, Nifty Nerds Network): We’ve got some exciting new games coming soon. Due to NDA, we can’t reveal details yet, but it’s really big.
Along with that, we have an upcoming airdrop season—so definitely stay tuned. Plus, our new version of the app with a completely upgraded UI/UX is launching next week, bringing a smoother and more intuitive experience for our users. It’s going to be a big moment for our community—so please stay tuned for NNN.
Raphael Rocher (Host, NCNG): Perfect. Thank you very much. Anything else you would like to add?
Mindy Suh (Founder, Nifty Nerds Network): No, thank you. Thank you for your time today.
About Nifty Nerds Network (NNN)
Nifty Nerds Network (NNN) (by Fananas) is a blockchain gaming ecosystem focused on meme-coin and game-based projects, built for Telegram Mini Apps and prioritizing TON to tap into Telegram’s distribution and platform-native experiences. NNN aims to democratize Web3 game creation by offering indie developers launchpad services, tools and templates (smart contracts, NFT integration options, and game-economy models), SDK support for Unity and web-based games, plus strategic, marketing, and community-building support through the NNN ecosystem.