Rarely does an indie company produce several game products; however, for indie game development companies, diversification and innovation are essential tools to compete in the market. Today, we will take Top Games as an example to introduce and explore the company's diversified mindset.
TGI's expansion beyond their flagship product, Evony, into games like Infinity Clan and Kings Legion, demonstrates a strategic move to explore various genres and cater to diverse gamer demographics.
The game types include: zombie themes, mafia themes, tribal themes, medieval war strategy themes, and match-3 games. They cover a range from role-playing and strategy to casual game genres.
Players' "tastes" vary, and based on different user attributes, their preferred game types also differ. Generally, male players favor strategy, shooting, and competitive racing games, while female audiences prefer match-3, light, and casual types of games.
However, some game types have a broad appeal, attracting both male and female users. For example, "Evony: The King's Return" is a medieval-themed MMO real-time strategy game that has drawn a wide range of players across various age groups. Its appeal is so extensive that some players enjoy the game as families, coming together to participate as teammates and pass the time. Due to its strong social design centered around alliances, the game has connected players from over 100 countries around the world. This not only enhances the enjoyment within the game but also fosters visible events and promotes a powerful effect of communication exchange.
Diversity in game development helps indie developers appeal to a broader audience. Each game type attracts different demographics, catering to varied tastes and preferences. TGI's strategic diversification through titles such as Plague of Z, a traditional MMORTS survival game, and Dream Journey Makeover and Salon Superstars, a match-3 fashion game, exemplifies how different games can attract both hardcore and casual gamers. By diversifying their portfolio, indie developers like TGI can attract and retain a wider audience, thus enhancing their market stability and growth potential.
"Our innovative spirit shines through ourcross-genre strategy, broadening our audience reach and enriching the gamingexperience with unique, novel elements. This strategy is akin to offering avariety of ice-cream flavors, inviting players to explore new tastes beyondtheir favorites, " TPI VP Benjamin said.
Benjamin Gifford began his career in the gaming industry in 2009. Known for his unique approach to excellence, he emphasizes continuous improvement and innovation over perfection. Gifford advocates for data-driven decision-making and utilizes Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to foster growth within his teams. He believes in creating a company culture of open communication and empowerment, which he views as essential to fostering innovation and ownership among team members. His responsibilities range from game design to marketing and business strategy, and he is committed to focusing on end-user satisfaction and impactful development. Gifford's work, particularly on "Evony: The King’s Return," exemplifies his philosophy of prioritizing product excellence and meaningful user engagement【26†source】.
Independent developers are often more agile and responsive to community feedback compared to their larger counterparts. This flexibility allows them to adapt and evolve their games based on direct user input, leading to games that better meet player expectations and needs. Diversity in game development strategies ensures that developers can quickly pivot and innovate in response to feedback, continuously improving their offerings and keeping players engaged.
Diverse game types cater to different emotional and cognitive needs. For example, puzzle games can provide mental stimulation and help in stress relief, whereas adventure games might offer an escape from reality, boosting mood and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the representation of diverse characters and themes can promote empathy and cultural understanding among players. By offering a range of games that address various psychological benefits, developers can enhance player satisfaction and loyalty.