Last updated on March 4th, 2025 at 12:48 am
In 2025, strategy games remain a driving force behind in-app purchases, continuing to boost developer revenue. Evony is a prime example. In 2024, it raked in nearly $300 million—marking its third consecutive year of impressive results. Behind this success is Top Games Inc., which has been focusing heavily on the casual gaming sector. Last year saw the release of Aquarium Crush, a match-3 puzzle game. This year, there are whispers of a new post-apocalyptic themed RPG game featuring beautiful heroines. The game primarily focuses on idle gameplay, allowing players to enjoy shooting levels, suggesting that they are looking to expand their player base even further.
Benjamin Gifford – Don’t play it safe
Benjamin Gifford, Vice President of Development at Top Games Inc., understands the importance of team culture. “Don’t play it safe. Don’t just protect your job,” he says. In this context, every team member at Top Games is expected to take ownership. They’re not just employees—they’re guardians of the company’s culture and values.
“TGI is exploring other game types to diversify our portfolio and meet evolving market demands. Our aim is to create a balanced array of games that cater to both hardcore and casual gamers, spanning various genres,” said Benjamin.
As a result, decisions aren’t made just to maintain the status quo, but to push for growth and innovation. Furthermore, transparency is key. The company ensures that the team has all the information needed to make informed decisions, empowering them to take charge in addressing challenges. This proactive approach has been integral to the company’s ongoing success.
Similarly, the same philosophy is reflected in Evony, a game that stands out for its deep historical storytelling. Players can engage with seven major civilizations, each with its own monarchs, generals, and armies drawn from real historical events. You can recruit figures like George Washington, Genghis Khan, and Alexander the Great, each with unique traits, skills, and personalities. The game immerses players in history, allowing them to command these legendary figures in battle, defend cities, or even manage domestic affairs.
Of course, the success of Evony is also closely tied to excellent feature iterations that have energized the community. For example, fun events are launched every week. Recently, a new powerful Historic City – the Palace of Knossos – was introduced in the Historic City event. Players will be ranked on their continent based on the number of Valorous Medals they earn. Additionally, the Limited Recruit event was launched, giving players a chance to collect fragments of their chosen General.
What’s more, what sets Evony apart is its ability to break down language barriers. With an automatic translation system, players from around the world can connect, regardless of their native language, fostering a global community.
Ultimately, Benjamin Gifford’s insights into team management and Evony’s success go hand in hand. Both highlight the importance of a growth mindset. Empowering the team, taking ownership, and actively solving problems isn’t just good for business—it’s what turns a good game into a great one.
