Two global tech giants, Apple and Google, have turned the spotlight on Lagos-based Maliyo Games, a studio championing African creativity in the gaming industry. The recognition comes as Maliyo continues to blend African culture, storytelling, and design into mobile-first games that are now reaching global audiences.
Apple announced that Maliyo Games will be featured in its upcoming Nigeria Independence Day editorial showcase, highlighting standout titles such as Safari City, Crazy Ludo, Whot King, and Secret Letter. Each game combines familiar play mechanics with African-inspired narratives, art, and music, reflecting everyday life and traditions across the continent.
Earlier this year, Google Play also honoured Maliyo by selecting the studio for its global #WeArePlay campaign, a film series profiling developers who are shaping the future of gaming worldwide. The feature celebrated the vision of founder Hugo Obi, tracing the studio’s journey from its humble beginnings in Lagos to becoming a force in global gaming platforms. According to Obi, the dual recognition underscores the studio’s mission: “We are proving that African stories belong on the global stage.”
Behind Maliyo’s creative success lies its GameUp Africa initiative, a talent-development programme launched in 2021 that has trained more than 6,000 aspiring developers from over 20 African countries. Participants receive hands-on training in programming, game art, and audio design, with many graduates now contributing to acclaimed projects or launching their own studios—further expanding Africa’s presence in the global gaming ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Maliyo is set to host MaliyoCON 2025, its first-ever developer-led gaming conference, scheduled for December in Lagos. The event aims to bring together game creators, investors, policymakers, and innovators to discuss how African storytelling can influence the global gaming industry. Since its founding in 2012, Maliyo has produced over 40 titles, positioning itself not just as a studio, but as a cultural ambassador for Africa’s digital entertainment future.
source: punch