David Guo Drives Innovation as Evony: The King’s Return Wins the NYX Silver Award
In the 2022 NYX Game Awards Season 1 cycle, Evony: The King’s Return — the hit strategy title by Top Games Inc. (TGI) — earned the NYX Silver Award, a recognition of its outstanding global influence and innovative gameplay design. Following this achievement, David Guo, CEO and co-founder of Top Games Inc., was invited by TechBullion for an in-depth interview to discuss his philosophy on game development, leadership, and the future direction of the gaming industry.
Making Good Games with Players
David Guo has played a pivotal role in shaping Top Games Inc. since its founding in 2015. With over a decade of experience in game development and operations, he oversees all core departments, guiding the company’s teams toward one clear goal — building player-first games that combine immersive experience with technical excellence.
Before entering the gaming industry, David began his career developing multimedia and cybersecurity software. This technical foundation later influenced his structured approach to game production — prioritizing performance, stability, and user experience over marketing buzz.
“I’ve always been a gamer myself,” David shared. “Back in 2009, I realized that many game companies weren’t truly listening to players. That’s what motivated me to join Top Games Inc. We design games from the player’s perspective — understanding that for many, games are not just entertainment, but part of their social lives and emotional worlds.”
From Idea to Impact: The Making of Evony
Under David’s leadership, TGI’s development process emphasizes execution speed, data-driven iteration, and a commitment to long-term community building.
The team continually tests and refines their products to ensure they deliver not only fun but fairness — an essential quality in the competitive strategy genre.
Today, Top Games Inc. boasts over 100 million global players across its portfolio, with Evony: The King’s Return remaining its flagship success. The company’s lineup now includes eight live titles, with three more in development, reflecting TGI’s philosophy of fast yet responsible game creation.
On What Makes a “Great Game”
According to David, a great game must go beyond visuals and mechanics — it must resonate with the player’s emotions and instincts.
“We focus on strategy games because they bring people together. They’re social, dynamic, and reward smart thinking. Fairness, balance, and community engagement are what define our design principles.”
TGI’s approach relies heavily on data science to evaluate player behavior and feedback. This ensures that creative decisions are validated through real user experience, allowing the studio to balance artistic vision with empirical precision.
Recognition and the Road Ahead
Winning the NYX Silver Award, David said, was more than a milestone — it was a validation of TGI’s values.
“This award recognizes our team’s dedication and our players’ passion. Without our community, none of this would be possible. Every update, every new title we create — it’s for them.”
The recognition has strengthened Top Games Inc.’s global brand image and expanded its visibility in both Western and Asian markets. David noted that such accolades also motivate the team to innovate faster and push creative boundaries.
David sees the gaming industry entering a new era where player experience is the ultimate differentiator.
“Players today are more discerning. They know exactly what they want — games that respect their time, intelligence, and imagination. Only developers who deliver true value and enjoyment will thrive.”
He predicts the next decade will bring a wave of technological transformation, with VR, AI-driven storytelling, and cross-platform integration shaping the next generation of games. Yet amid all the change, he believes one thing remains constant — the human need for connection through play.
What’s Next for Top Games Inc.
David revealed that TGI plans to expand its successful catalog with new features that reflect player demand — including co-op gameplay, 3D sequencing, and enhanced real-time strategy mechanics.
“We plan to release three new titles this year,” he said. “Our goal is simple: keep delivering fun, high-quality games that players love, while continuing to improve based on their feedback.”
As the mobile gaming landscape evolves, Top Games Inc. remains focused on sustainable growth and authentic engagement. With Evony’s ongoing success as a foundation, the company continues to shape an ecosystem where innovation meets loyalty — ensuring that every game is not only played, but remembered.