If the AI industry feels like it’s in an arms race, the mobile gaming world has been living that reality for decades. Competition in game development has always been fierce, and as technology evolves, more developers are looking for ways to weave innovation directly into their design process. In this environment, efficiency and adaptability aren’t just advantages—they’re survival skills.
Founded in 2015, Top Games Inc. (TGI) has built a reputation for combining data-driven development with a clear creative vision. The company now has over 200 million players worldwide. From the start, David Guo (郭耀琦), Co-Founder and CEO, has emphasized building high-quality games as a shared mission for the team. He is known for embedding data analysis into every stage of development, encouraging decisions grounded in evidence rather than instinct. In Guo’s approach, data science acts as a kind of compass—helping teams navigate complex creative choices with greater clarity and precision.
“From game theory and API design to UX development and creating complex algorithms, the way our lives are improved through these interacting information systems is what drives me,” said David Guo.
Data Science Drives Smarter Decisions
New employees at TGI go through an Explorations Bootcamp—a training program designed to spark creativity and innovation while reinforcing the company’s culture of continuous improvement.
Top Games Inc. follows a “build & break” philosophy: release, test, learn, repeat. The goal isn’t perfection at first launch but progress through iteration. As Guo puts it, “It’s not about spending endless time chasing perfection—developers who do that often get overtaken by those who move faster. What matters is delivering something great quickly, listening to players, and improving continuously.”
One example of this mindset is the integration of puzzles into Evony: The King’s Return, the studio’s flagship MMORTS. The decision helped attract puzzle enthusiasts, boosting retention and broadening the game’s community. It’s a reminder that smart experimentation—done with purpose—can reshape even established genres.
A Broader Game Portfolio
While Evony remains the crown jewel, TGI has been steadily diversifying. Titles like Infinity Clan, Kings Legion, Mafia Origin, Dream Journey Makeover, and Salon Superstars explore different genres and player interests.
For example, Dream Journey Makeover and Salon Superstars blend fashion storytelling with match-3 mechanics, while Plague of Z delivers a traditional MMORTS survival experience in a post-apocalyptic world. This variety allows TGI to reach both dedicated strategy players and those who prefer lighter, more narrative-driven experiences.
Guo’s leadership shows how blending technology, data, and creative thinking can shape a studio’s direction. By prioritizing player experience and maintaining agility, Top Games Inc. continues to refine what effective mobile game development looks like.
Building Worlds Through Collaboration
TGI has also found success through strategic IP collaborations—notably with Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla, and Napoleon. These partnerships aren’t just marketing moves; they add texture and familiarity to in-game experiences, expanding appeal across audiences.
Integrating recognizable characters and worlds helps create a bridge between established fan communities and new players. It’s a practical way of making games feel larger than their digital borders, while keeping the experience cohesive and engaging.
Looking ahead, the company continues to explore collaborations that make creative sense for both sides. The idea is simple: if a partnership deepens player immersion and brings fresh storytelling potential, it’s worth pursuing.
The Takeaway
Top Games Inc. represents a data-conscious, player-focused approach to game development—one that values adaptability over rigidity and innovation over repetition. In an industry that moves as quickly as the games themselves, that combination might be the most sustainable strategy of all.
