Research the Approach of Integrating National Elements from Top Games Inc.'s China Civilization

In recent years, the "game + traditional national culture" model seems to have provided game industry with the optimal solution for the coexistence of culture inheritance and commercial value. However, how to integrate to realize the value of this model has become a question. Based on the survey, Top Games Inc.'s flagship game Evony: the King's Return has created 7 major civilizations through cross-cultural fusion. The game succeeded with this highlight and won the Samsung Galaxy Store Best MMO Award in 2022. This article will take China Civilization in Evony as a case study to analyze how to integrate national elements into the game.

Buffs and Architectural Style Fit the Historical Background

Evony's China Culture

The cultural features of this civilization are as follows:

• Wooden Ox and Gliding Horse - Troop Load +5%
• Master Sun's Art of War - Ground Troop Attack +5%
• Papermaking - Research Speed +3%

The overall background of "China Civilization" in Evony is based on the Tang Dynasty, so the attributes set in the game are also in line with the historical conditions at that time. This kind of respect for historical details will give players more immersion.

In addition to this, Top Games Inc.'s Evony team adopted ancient Chinese architectural styles when designing China Civilization. The Keep in the main city is as grand and gorgeous as the Daming Palace. Taverns, academies, markets, city walls, etc. also vividly restore the exquisite details of ancient Chinese architecture.

Reflecting national culture in the design of the macro background and visual style can allow players to quickly immerse themselves in the game. This is the priority in integrating national elements.

The Character Style Respects Traditional Chinese Culture

In-game China Avatar

Not long ago, the Evony team made improvements to the lord images of all civilizations, and Chinese civilization is no exception. This civilization has 6 built-in lord images, ranging from generals to knights to singing and dancing prostitutes. They have the style of both fairy novels and historical heroes.

In addition, they also added a collection avatar, Flying Apsaras. The Top Games Inc. team said that the avatar was inspired by the Dunhuang murals in China. Dunhuang Feitian is the product of the combination of realism and romanticism. The image of dancers flying in the sky shows the positive, free, and optimistic spirit of the people at that time. On this basis, Flying Apsaras has made innovations in makeup and also used dynamic effects to express its elegant image.

By the way, Evony's painting style of generals in the "China" group can also show that their team has a thorough understanding of traditional Chinese culture.

Integrate China Elements with Game Combat Operations

Generals are one of the core elements of Evony's combat mechanics. Players need to choose the right general to lead the right troops to fight. The story and skill settings of each Chinese general in the game respect historical facts or famous allusions. It can resonate with players who understand Chinese culture.

China General Setting

Ground Troop General: Guan Yu and Lu Xun

Lu Xun is currently the most powerful infantry general in Evony, and his combination with Suchet is the strongest for ground troops.

Mounted Troop General: Zhao Yun, Huo Qubing, Sun Ce, Li Jing, and Xiang Yu

Ranged Troop General: Li Shimin

Siege Machine General: Mu Guiying and Emperor Qin Shihuang

The combination of Mu Guiying & Melisande can be used as reinforcements or to occupy buildings on the battlefield.

Mixed Troops General: Yue Fei, Wei Qing, and Hua Mulan

Among them, Hua Mulan can lead not only Mixed Troops but also Main City Defense Troops. Currently, she is the only one among China's purple generals (Historic Generals) who can be ascended. New Minnow players can recruit her as a transitional general if they see her in the tavern.

Duty General (Officer):

• Ban Chao - Archer Tower Officer
• Zhuge Liang - Keep Officer
• Zhang Liang - Rally Spot Officer
• Jiang Ziya - Barracks Officer

Subordinate City Mayor: Empress Wu and Lu Ban

Based on the above in-game settings, the Top Games Inc.'s team designed these generals based on historical allusions. For example, Zhuge Liang once used the empty city plan to defeat more with less. It was perfect for him to be a Keep Officer. Besides, Zhao Yun was in charge of cavalry for Liu Bei, so he in Evony is also good at leading mounted troops. In-depth design requires the R&D team to carefully understand the corresponding national culture.

In conclusion, Top Games Inc.'s team combines traditional national elements with the core gameplay from aspects such as macro background, architectural style, and character design. They mainly improve integration quality and competitiveness through in-depth historical and cultural research. Therefore, the attentiveness of the design team determines the success of the integration of national elements.