Last updated on September 17th, 2024 at 05:55 pm
Creating a successful game is a challenge, particularly for small and medium-sized indie developers who operate with limited resources and budgets compared to larger companies. Despite these challenges, some indie developers thrive. One such developer is Top Games Inc., whose game ‘Evony: The King’s Return’ (Evony TKR) has achieved significant success. By 2023, the game had over 2 million downloads and generated $355 million in revenue, making Top Games Inc. a standout among indie developers.
David Guo (Yaoqi Guo), CEO of Top Games Inc., has a passion for technology and online gaming. His career began with selling multimedia management software, followed by developing cybersecurity firewall software. In an interview with TechBullion, Guo discusses the 2022 NYX Game Awards and his mission at Top Games Inc.
Journey to Game Development and Marketing
David Guo explains his path to game development: “I am a game player myself. In 2009, I noticed many game companies didn’t prioritize user experience and customer satisfaction. That’s why I joined Top Games Inc. We focus on providing top-tier player experiences and services, designing games from the player’s perspective to create lasting gaming communities.”
Role and Traits for Success
As CEO, David Guo oversees all essential departments at Top Games. He emphasizes the importance of rapid testing and implementation. “There’s no specific method for instant success. We test our products repeatedly to find the best options and scale up quickly.”
Company Overview
Founded in 2015, Top Games Inc. is an independent developer of mobile app games, boasting over 100 million players worldwide. The company has released eight games, with three new titles expected later this year. Their focus on player experience has resulted in multiple games with ratings of 4.5 stars and higher. They leverage data science for development decisions and have extensive experience in marketing through various media channels.
Defining a Great Game
“A great game must be designed from the player’s perspective,” Mr Guo states. “Our goal is to provide top-level user experiences and a go-to source of fun and entertainment.”
Specialization in Strategy Games
Top Games specializes in strategy games that incorporate interactive and social elements. They prioritize fair play and user-friendly social platforms in their game designs.
Ideation Process
David Guo and his team are passionate about strategy games. “We know what players want, which allows us to design from their perspective.”
Recognition and Impact of the NYX Game Awards
Winning the NYX Game Awards is a significant honor for David Guo and his team. “We are thrilled and grateful to our players and developers. This award has enhanced our brand reputation and popularity, providing a strong boost to our image.”
Challenges in Development and Marketing
The primary challenge is creating games that remain engaging over time. “We developed the Evony title over a decade ago and continually add new features to enhance the gaming experience.”
Influence of Location on Ideation
“The diversity in the United States has empowered my free spirit and broadened my boundaries,” Mr Guo notes.
Exciting Industry Trends
David Guo is excited about the increasing user orientation in games. “Players know their preferences and invest more in games that provide an entertaining experience. This trend inspires us to innovate and exceed expectations.”
The company is also dedicated to advancing partnerships with other brand IPs. They look for shared values, study the relevance of their audiences and communicate what message the partnership is supposed to convey. It has been designed to improve the gameplay and encourage community participation. For now, you can see matching with Kong: Skull Island and the Napoleon film in Evony’s 2022-2023 Collaboration.
