The mobile gaming industry stands as a dynamic battlefield, driven by relentless innovation and collaborative spirit. In this exploration, we turn our focus to the leadership philosophy of an influential architect of the gaming world: Top Games' Benjamin Gifford. His story not only serves as a beacon for aspiring leaders but also illuminates the pivotal roles that leadership and teamwork occupy in the creation of blockbuster games.
Benjamin Gifford: Fostering Excellence through Teamwork
Benjamin Gifford, the Vice President of Top Games Inc., champions a leadership style grounded in collaboration and the pursuit of excellence rather than perfection. His approach has elevated "Evony: The King's Return," a 4X strategy game, to the forefront of its category.
Central to Gifford's ethos is the valorization of teamwork. He nurtures an environment where accessibility is paramount, ensuring fluid collaboration and enabling every team member to deliver their finest work. His commitment to data-driven decisions plays a critical role, utilizing analytics to sidestep biases and optimize outcomes for the player base.
“Top Games team is our greatest resource,” VP Benjamin said.
Benjamin views culture as a key differentiator from competitors. The culture encourages open communication and has a flat organizational structure, allowing teams to independently lead their projects. According to Benjamin, the team is Top Games' most valuable asset, promoting an environment where ideas from any level drive innovation and improvement.
He believes in pushing beyond comfort zones for growth, avoiding complacency. His role spans game design, marketing, and business strategy, with a focus on the end user and addressing critical problems. His approach emphasizes excellence, maintaining clear objectives and values, and encouraging team feedback.
This philosophy is evident in "Evony," reflecting a preference for excellence over perfection and a culture of learning and adaptability. Failures are seen as growth opportunities.