In the Trenches: David and Benjamin's Roadmap to Sustainable Success
Benjamin Gifford, as Vice President of Top Games, plays a key role like a team captain in a high-stakes game. He focuses on team management, organizational culture, marketing strategy, and corporate compliance. His connection with David is like a strong teammate bond, united by common goals and values. Together, they drive TGI's development and long-term growth, always aiming for the championship.
Entering the Gaming Industry
My journey into gaming began over fifteen years ago when I met David. We bonded over our shared passion for the unifying power of games, much like athletes finding common ground on the field. My early career centered on the mix of technology and storytelling, leading me to roles in game development and design. I've faced both failures and great successes, treating each as a valuable play in a continuous game. My leadership role at Top Games reflects my commitment to enhancing the gaming experience for everyone, akin to coaching players for their best performance.
Perspectives on Gaming
Gamers and game makers see games from different angles. Gamers enjoy the thrill of the match, while creators juggle creativity, technicality, user experience, and marketability like a coach strategizing for victory. To bridge this gap, we engage with our player community. Their feedback helps us align our creations with both our artistic vision and their desires. This ongoing dialogue is crucial for crafting games that score high in both commercial success and player satisfaction.
Entrepreneurial Path and Inspiration
My entrepreneurial spirit stems from curiosity, determination, and problem-solving, fueled by my love for games. I wanted to create engaging experiences for players worldwide, much like a coach aiming to inspire their team. For aspiring entrepreneurs, cultivate a passion for your ideas and gain deep understanding of your field. Embrace challenges as growth opportunities, like turning setbacks into learning moments. Mistakes are part of the journey; own them and keep moving forward. Building a supportive network and seeking mentorship are essential plays in your game plan. As a life member of the IGDA, I encourage everyone to join local meetups to share experiences and learn from one another. Game design and development is a growing field, offering great opportunities for those willing to embrace technology. For young entrepreneurs, be passionate, pursue knowledge, and prepare for challenges. Remember, entrepreneurship is a journey of learning and resilience, like training for a marathon.
New Developments
Recently, the company has continued to refine and iterate on Evony’s gameplay, much like perfecting a game-winning strategy. They also launched a new product, Aquarium Crush, a casual match-3 mobile game.
Key Features:
🐟 Match-3 Gameplay: Players collect rare fish and decorations through classic match-3 mechanics, scoring big with every move.
🌊 Underwater Kingdom: Build a unique underwater kingdom, curating fish and decor like a championship team assembling the perfect lineup.
🌈 Mini-Games: Dive into exciting mini-games to help fish grow and conquer the underwater realm, competing for the ultimate victory.
Whether collecting rare species, designing impressive aquariums, or competing for high scores, Aquarium Crush offers a complete aquatic experience for every player.
Final Thoughts
Since its founding in 2015, TGI has been an independent game developer known for bold marketing strategies and engaging promotions. The company has achieved over 200 million downloads across more than 150 countries, a true testament to their winning strategy. Looking ahead, the core leadership remains dedicated to developing new, promising projects and creating successful products like Evony, always aiming for the next big championship title.