Starting a business often comes with many triggers—whether it's the pursuit of a dream, the timing of an opportunity, or the right partners coming together. For some, a single conversation can spark the journey. Many years ago, a conversation between two individuals from different backgrounds led them to connect over a shared dream. Those two people are Benjamin Gifford and David Guo, co-founders of Top Games Inc. Driven by a shared commitment to excellence, they joined forces and created something meaningful in the world of gaming. This article explores their entrepreneurial journey, hoping to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Benjamin Gifford: From Passion to Purpose
Benjamin Gifford, the Vice President of Top Games Inc., recently shared his entrepreneurial journey in an interview. He expressed his hope to help others avoid the mistakes he made along the way.
Ben’s connection to gaming goes way back. Even before entering the game industry, he had an interest in the integration of technology and storytelling. A pivotal meeting with David 15 years ago led him to dive headfirst into game development.
Back then, both Benjamin and David recognized the unifying power of games. They shared a common vision and clicked instantly. Ben found himself drawn to Top Games Inc.'s management philosophy, which revolves around improving through data science and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). Their shared focus was on progress, not perfection. This mutual understanding set the foundation for Ben’s journey at Top Games, where he gradually grew more committed to enhancing the gaming experience.
When reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Ben shared valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and game developers. His key piece of wisdom? Follow your passion. Find something you believe in, then learn everything you can about it. Embrace the challenges that come your way, because:
"They are your opportunities to grow."
Ben sees entrepreneurship as an ongoing learning process. Along the way, there will be both successes and setbacks. But he emphasizes that these experiences—good or bad—help you grow. He shared, "Mistakes are part of the journey." For those thinking of starting a business, he encourages them not to fear failure. The key is to stick with your dreams, keep learning, and continually update your knowledge.
One of the most impactful things Ben said in the interview?
"Resilience in the face of adversity is one of your greatest assets."
David Guo: Leading with Innovation and User-Centered Design
David Guo, co-founder and CEO of Top Games Inc., has over 25 years of experience in software development, game theory, cybersecurity, and UX design.
Reflecting on how he entered the industry, David recalls that before he became a game developer, he was simply a passionate gamer. But as he played, he noticed a lack of focus on user experience. Many game companies were failing to prioritize what players actually wanted. This realization spurred him to use data science to address recurring user experience issues.
David joined Top Games Inc. to lead the company in designing games with a player-centered focus. The goal? To create enjoyable gaming experiences and build lasting communities, which would, in turn, enhance the user experience (UX).
In his interview, David talked about his enduring passion for technology, software, and their potential to shape social interactions. He's always been fascinated by the power of algorithms and how they influence our daily lives. In fact, he invented the Skynet firewall and holds several patents for systems used in online multiplayer games.
As David put it:
"I am driven by the improvements our lives see through interacting information systems, from game theory and API design to UX development and creating complex algorithms."
David’s deep understanding of technology fuels his commitment to improving user-friendly designs. This dedication has been critical to his entrepreneurial process—constantly reflecting, reviewing, and refining. Like Benjamin, David believes in incremental improvements, fueled by passion, even if the perfect product or service remains elusive.
The Challenges of the Gaming Industry
Entrepreneurship is a tough road, and the challenges are especially apparent in the game development industry. Many game companies face a common struggle: the homogenization of their products. Whether it's the core gameplay, design, or even marketing strategies, the industry is becoming increasingly saturated with similar offerings.
This "homogenization" leaves players feeling uninspired and fatigued after experiencing several games that feel just alike. Even more troubling is the fact that many companies still rely on user acquisition strategies that are now predictable and repetitive. Traditional methods—ad campaigns, social media promotions, and reward systems—have become industry standards. But these strategies no longer pack the same punch. As a result, player engagement is dropping, and companies are left asking:
How can the industry break free from this stagnation?
Top Games Inc.’s success as an independent company is impressive. But the road ahead won’t be without challenges. In an increasingly competitive market, Top Games will need to continue pushing the envelope with new ideas and strategies.
With leaders like David Guo and Benjamin Gifford at the helm, driving innovation and fostering a passion for game development, there’s no doubt that Top Games will continue to shape the future of the industry. Who knows? They might just create the next big gaming miracle. As the saying goes: "The sky’s the limit."
