Both, it varies. If it's a game that is using a top-down overhead map then top-down tokens are the best match for that -- so yes, a lot of people play in top-down format often. For other set-ups, such as perspective maps, pop-up pictures, handouts, and chat-displaying pics, forward facing is great! Many gamers make use of both, depending on the scenario that's being played-presented-illustrated. Yet another approach is the 'pog' like a circle-cropped bust shot, as seen in Storm King's Thunder module. Some Marketplace artists repurpose and offer each figure in multiple configurations. Send me a PM if you would have time to join into one of my game sessions on Roll20 to see some tokens in action in D&D; showing various art-styles and perspectives matched with different types of maps, pages, and places in Roll20 interface. I recommend getting in contact with some of the fellow Marketplace artists, who can share from their experience.