Yaoqi Guo Talks Gaming, Innovation, and Winning the NYX Game Awards

Yaoqi Guo, the CEO of Top Games Inc., loves technology and online gaming. He started by selling multimedia management software and later developed firewall software for cyber security. In this interview with TechBullion, Yaoqi discusses the 2022 NYX Game Awards and his mission at Top Games Inc.

What led you to become a Game Developer/Marketer?

I'm a gamer myself. In 2009, I noticed many game companies ignored user experience and 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. Players make friends and live parts of their lives in games, so we aim to create the best gaming experience and cultivate long-lasting gaming communities.

What is your role in the company, and what traits should a game developer/marketing professional possess to be successful in their role?

As Top Games CEO, I oversee all essential departments. To succeed, I believe in quick testing and fast implementation. There's no magic formula for instant success; that's why we continually test our products to find the best options and scale up quickly.

Tell us more about your studio/company.

Founded in 2015, Top Games Inc. is an independent mobile game developer. We have over 100 million players worldwide and a portfolio of eight strong games, with three new titles coming later this year. We prioritize player experience, resulting in multiple games with 4.5-star-and-higher ratings. Data science drives our decisions, and we excel in superior games marketing globally, supported by a responsible marketing initiative.

What is your own definition of a great game?

A great game is designed from the player's perspective. It must be user-oriented, offering top-level user experience, fun, and entertainment.

Describe the genres of the game(s) your studio/company specializes in, as well as their main characteristics.

We specialize in strategy games with interactive and social elements. We focus on fair play and user-friendly social platforms.

Tell us more about your ideation process.

My team and I are passionate about strategy games. We know what players want, allowing us to design from their perspective.

Congratulations! As the winner of the NYX Game Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?

It's a great honor! My team and I are thrilled. We'll share this news on social media. We're grateful for our players and developer teams. Without their support, we couldn't have achieved such success.

How has winning an international award helped promote your company and game?

The award has boosted our brand reputation and popularity, significantly enhancing our brand image.

What are the challenges of developing/marketing your winning entry?

The biggest challenge is creating games that players will continually enjoy. We constantly add new features to Evony, which we developed over a decade ago, to enhance the gaming experience.

How has the country you are based in helped during your ideation process?

The diversity in the United States has broadened my boundaries and empowered my free spirit.

What are the current trends in the game industry that you are most excited about?

Games are becoming more user-oriented. Players know their preferences and spend more on games they enjoy. This trend inspires us to innovate constantly.

What are the top THREE favorite things about the gaming industry?

1. Innovation: New ideas and approaches stimulate my own creativity.
2. Achievement: It's rewarding to see our games loved by many players.
3. Freedom: The gaming industry offers more freedom and fewer limitations compared to conventional industries.

What resources would you recommend to someone looking to improve their game design and development skills?

Think from the player's perspective. There's no specific book for success, but always aim to deliver the best player experience.

Where do you see the evolution of the gaming industry in the next 5-10 years?

Competition will increase, and only the highest-quality, user-oriented games will survive. I also expect VR to become mainstream within the next decade.

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