Two of the world’s largest tech companies, Apple and Google, have shone a global spotlight on Maliyo Games, reaffirming the Lagos-based studio’s role as a champion of African creativity in gaming.
Behind this recognition lies a growing ecosystem of African talent, much of it nurtured through GameUp Africa , Maliyo’s pioneering developer training program.
GameUp Africa: Building the Next Generation of Creators
Launched in 2021, GameUp Africa has become a talent pipeline powering Maliyo’s creativity. Now in its fifth year, the initiative has trained over 6,000 aspiring developers across 20 African countries.
Participants gain hands-on skills in:
- Programming
- Game art
- Audio design
Many graduates have gone on to work on acclaimed gaming projects or even launch their own studios, proof of the program’s success in strengthening Africa’s creative economy.
Apple Features Maliyo’s Games for Nigeria’s Independence Day
As part of its Nigeria Independence Day editorial, Apple spotlighted several of Maliyo’s hit titles, including:
- Safari City
- Crazy Ludo
- Whot King
- Secret Letter
Each game blends familiar mechanics with African-inspired storytelling, art, and music, showcasing how local culture can powerfully enrich mobile entertainment.
Google Play’s #WeArePlay Campaign
Earlier this year, Google Play selected Maliyo Games for its #WeArePlay campaign, a global storytelling series celebrating diverse developers.
The feature highlighted the journey of Hugo Obi, Maliyo’s founder, tracing the studio’s growth from Lagos to the world. Beyond its portfolio, the campaign emphasized the impact of GameUp Africa, positioning it as a groundbreaking initiative for nurturing African creators.
“From the bustling city life of Safari City to the cultural traditions in Whot King, each title embodies authentic African storytelling packaged in mobile-first gameplay,” Obi explained.
MaliyoCON: Africa’s First Developer-Led Gaming Conference
Looking ahead, Maliyo Games will host its first-ever developer-led gaming conference , MaliyoCON , in December in Lagos.
The event will bring together:
- Creators
- Investors
- Policymakers
- Innovators
The goal is to explore how African stories can drive the next phase of global gaming.
“By convening industry leaders, Maliyo aims to cement Africa’s role not just as a participant, but as a cultural powerhouse shaping the future of mobile entertainment,” Obi said.
