Top Games Inc. (TGI), the company behind the hit mobile strategy game Evony, has experienced remarkable success in the competitive mobile gaming industry. In this interview, we sit down with CEO and Founder David Guo to discuss TGI’s core strategies, its approach to game development, and its vision for the future of gaming.
Q1: TGI has a diverse game portfolio, ranging from hardcore strategy games like Evony to more casual games like Dream Journey Makeover and Salon Superstars. What is the strategic thinking behind offering such a diverse range of games?
A1: Our approach is rooted in the belief that players have diverse tastes. By developing games across different genres, we appeal to a wider audience and offer players new gaming experiences. This strategy helps attract players who might not have considered our games before. For example, integrating puzzle elements into Evony has successfully drawn puzzle game fans, enriching our gaming community.
Q2: Evony has seen incredible success. What factors have contributed to its global popularity?
A2: I believe Evony‘s popularity comes from its fun gameplay, deep strategy, and active community. It appeals to both new and experienced players. Its success highlights the value of community engagement and the need to keep evolving the game. This has shaped our development approach. We focus on user-friendly designs that build a loyal, active player base. By putting user experience first, we’ve kept Evony among the top-grossing games. This shows our commitment to long-term community building, unlike competitors who often focus on short-term gains.
Q3: How do you approach the challenge of maintaining player engagement in a constantly evolving gaming landscape?
A3: Keeping players engaged means setting aside our personal developer preferences. We need to regularly update the game with new challenges, stories, and features to keep it fresh. Engaging with the community is key. We listen to player feedback and adjust our priorities to meet their needs. We also use data to understand player behavior, helping us create experiences that keep interest high and support long-term engagement.
I also watch YouTubers who talk about the game and bring both positive and negative feedback to the team. While everyone wants their suggestions in the game, we build for a large, diverse player base. We have to consider all players, not just those focused on PvP or longtime players who might forget the new player experience.
Q4: TGI is known for its innovative approach to game development. How do you see technologies like AI shaping the future of gaming?
A4: AI has the potential to revolutionize gaming. At TGI, we use AI to improve game experiences, boost user engagement, and make development and support processes more efficient. We plan to expand AI into game mechanics and analyze player behavior, aiming to improve global customer support. However, we are aware of the legal issues AI can bring, especially with copyright. While AI helps in game development, it cannot replace the human creativity that drives our industry forward.
Q5: TGI has collaborated with notable brands and IPs. What is the strategic rationale behind these collaborations?
A5: I love these collaborations; they’re fun and exciting as we bring movies and other IPs into our games. Collaborations like Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla, and Napoleon are key to our marketing, helping boost brand visibility and grow our audience. These partnerships have been very successful, and we’re always looking for new ones that can enrich our games and attract more players. We aim to create a win-win-win situation for our players, our partners, and TGI.
Q6: How does TGI leverage data science to inform its operations and decision-making processes?
A6: TGI uses data science to improve efficiency and boost team morale. By analyzing player feedback, market trends, and performance metrics, we make informed decisions that guide product development and streamline our workflows. This helps us allocate resources more effectively and find areas for improvement. Data also helps us understand employee engagement, allowing us to address concerns and celebrate successes. This creates a fair and motivating work environment, leading to higher productivity and better games. While some may see AI replacing staff, we see it as a tool to help our team grow. People are our greatest asset, and it’s important they feel valued.
Q7: What are the essential qualities that you believe contribute to making a game truly exceptional?
A7: A great game has engaging gameplay, a strong story, intuitive design, and, ideally, high replay value. It should balance challenge and reward, offer an immersive story, and be easy to play without complicated controls. Evolving content, dynamic environments, and varied challenges are key to keeping players interested. At TGI, we focus on bringing these qualities to games like Evony, creating a vibrant, ever-changing world that encourages players to stay engaged and interact.
Q8: How does TGI’s corporate culture support its mission of creating high-quality games?
A8: At TGI, our corporate culture focuses on user needs, innovation, and continuous improvement. We aim to create a work environment where people can excel, innovate, and contribute to our shared goal of delivering great gaming experiences. Our culture values open communication, inclusivity, and collaboration, encouraging team members to share ideas freely. This teamwork sparks creativity and drives the development of high-quality games. By embracing integrity, excellence, and passion, we ensure everyone is aligned with our mission to create games that connect with players worldwide.
I’ve written two white papers on this: The Culture White Paper for TGI and Why You Shouldn’t Work at TGI. These documents reflect our transparency, treating everyone as a builder and owner. People leave companies because of poor leadership, not because of documents. If we don’t live by our values, staff will go elsewhere.
Q9: What advice would you offer to aspiring game developers who are just starting out in the industry?
A9: My advice is to cultivate your passion, keep learning, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Embrace collaboration and seek mentorship. Building a strong network of peers and mentors is invaluable.
Q10: What is TGI’s vision for the future of gaming?
A10: We see gaming becoming more integrated into daily life, offering immersive experiences that go beyond traditional entertainment. We’re particularly excited about blockchain gaming, wearable tech, and the metaverse, and we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements.
