Two of the world’s biggest tech giants, Apple and Google, have turned the spotlight on Maliyo Games, a Lagos-based gaming studio known for fusing African culture with interactive entertainment.
Apple revealed that Maliyo will be featured in its upcoming Nigeria Independence Day editorial, highlighting the studio’s most popular titles, including:
- Safari City – A vibrant game capturing the energy of urban African life.
- Crazy Ludo – A reimagined version of the classic board game.
- Whot King – Inspired by cultural card-playing traditions.
- Secret Letter – A creative storytelling adventure.
Earlier in 2025, Google Play also celebrated Maliyo as part of its global #WeArePlay campaign, a film series showcasing diverse developers shaping the future of gaming.
Maliyo’s Global Recognition
Maliyo’s founder, Hugo Obi, described the recognition as a milestone in the studio’s journey:
“This recognition from Apple, alongside our recent feature by Google, is another powerful validation of our vision. We are proving that African stories belong on the global stage.”
Apple noted that Maliyo’s editorial showcase would emphasize how its games reflect everyday African experiences, from city life to cultural traditions, while blending them into mobile-first gameplay.
GameUp Africa: Training the Next Generation
Behind Maliyo’s success is its GameUp Africa initiative, launched in 2021. The program has:
- Trained 6,000+ aspiring developers in over 20 African countries.
- Offered courses in programming, game art, and audio design.
- Helped graduates work on acclaimed projects and even launch their own studios.
This initiative positions Maliyo not just as a gaming studio, but also as a talent incubator for Africa’s digital creative industry.
MaliyoCON 2025: Africa’s First Developer-Led Gaming Conference
Looking forward, Maliyo announced MaliyoCON 2025, its first developer-led gaming conference, set to take place in Lagos this December.
The event will bring together:
- Game creators
- Investors
- Policymakers
- Tech innovators
The focus will be on how African storytelling can shape the global gaming industry.
Maliyo Games: A Cultural Gaming Pioneer
Founded in 2012, Maliyo has developed more than 40 titles, positioning itself as a cultural ambassador through gaming. With recognition from both Apple and Google, and a strong developer pipeline powered by GameUp Africa, the studio continues to push boundaries and redefine what African creativity in gaming can look like on the global stage.
