With the rise in smartphone usage and dependence on mobile devices, the market also benefits from social integration features, promoting viral game growth through social networks. The mobile gaming market has seen impressive growth over the past decade. A report by Wise Guy Reports predicts the market will grow from $125.63 billion in 2024 to $284.4 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.75% from 2025 to 2032.
Compared to regions like Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, North America and Europe have the advantage in technological infrastructure and consumer purchasing power. For instance, according to Sensor Tower, Evony's revenue reached nearly $300 million in 2024, with the highest revenue-generating countries being the U.S., Japan, the U.K., Germany, and Canada. While Japan plays a major role in revenue, the U.S. and European countries contribute significantly due to stronger in-app purchasing power and the advancements in 5G technology. These factors, along with faster response speeds, have led to greater innovation among game developers in these regions.
In the indie developer scene, Top Games Inc. (TGI), the creator of Evony: The King's Return, has made a strong impression with its humble style and impressive performance. Founded in 2015, TGI has focused on mobile gaming since its inception. David Guo, the CEO and co-founder, shares the company's vision: "Mobile gaming is now pivotal to everything we do at Top Games Inc." As an avid gamer, David is deeply passionate about the industry. Under his leadership, TGI has created numerous top-selling games on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Evony: The King's Return, TGI’s flagship game, has been a huge success, generating significant profits while showcasing the company’s successful appeal and monetization strategies. Its main attractions are its social features, large-scale SVS wars, and famous historical figures such as Napoleon, George Washington, King Arthur, Empress Wu Zetian from China, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi from Japan. Players not only enjoy the game but also gain a deeper understanding of historical figures and events. David Guo mentioned in a previous TechBullion interview, "We aimed to create the best gaming experience possible and cultivate long-lasting gaming communities that would continually enhance that experience."
In 2022, Evony ranked 5th in Data.ai's list of Top Ten US-Headquartered Mid-Core Games. In 2023, Evony was ranked #1 in the "Top 20 Global Game Subgenres by Consumer Spend" with 10.1%, according to Data.ai's Game IQ Taxonomy.
As a global developer, TGI continues to expand its portfolio beyond past successes. In June 2024, they launched a new casual, puzzle-adventure game, Aquarium Crush, a colorful match-3 game where players collect rare fish and decorate their underwater kingdom. It also features battles where fish grow by eating smaller ones while avoiding predators. With continuous updates, the game has received a rating of 4.6 on app stores, earning high praise from players.
Evony is a core strategy game that requires time and effort, appealing to players who enjoy deep strategy. In contrast, casual games like match-3 games are better suited for those who want quick, on-the-go play, whether during commutes or short breaks. This shift toward developing more casual games shows TGI’s desire to attract a wider player base and experiment with different game genres. In addition to match-3 games, Top Games is also working on action-based hybrid games.
The data from the mobile gaming market indicates strong future profitability, especially with the advancement of new technologies that benefit players. Developers will continue to incorporate these innovations to enhance the gaming experience. For indie developers like Top Games, who focus on humble yet high-performing games, the success of Evony provides a solid foundation to branch into multiple game genres. With a passion-driven team led by David Guo, Top Games is set to continue making waves in the mobile gaming industry and creating unique, innovative experiences for players.