Maliyo Games, a prominent Pan-African game development company, has earned international acclaim from both Apple and Google for its dedication to showcasing African innovation and talent within the gaming sector.
According to a recent announcement, Apple plans to spotlight several Maliyo Games titles such as Safari City, Crazy Ludo, Whot King, and Secret Letter. These games draw heavily from African heritage, incorporating elements of traditional art, music, and daily life experiences.
The company highlighted that this acknowledgment follows Maliyo’s feature in Google Play’s worldwide #WeArePlay campaign, which celebrated the studio’s founder, Hugo Obi, and emphasized the studio’s influential role in advancing Africa’s gaming landscape.
Obi expressed that this recognition affirms Maliyo’s mission to elevate African creativity on a global platform. “Our achievements are deeply rooted in the robust talent network we are cultivating across the continent. We are not only creating games for today’s audience but also inspiring the next generation of innovators. A key component of this effort is GameUp Africa, Maliyo’s educational initiative designed to equip aspiring developers with skills in coding, design, and sound engineering. Since its inception in 2021, the program has empowered over 6,000 young individuals from more than 20 African nations.
The 2025 cycle of GameUp Africa, marking its fifth year, has recently welcomed a fresh group of participants eager to hone their craft.”
Furthermore, Obi revealed plans for Maliyo’s inaugural developer-centric gaming summit, MaliyoCON 2025, slated for December in Lagos. “This conference aims to unite creators, investors, and policymakers to explore the burgeoning opportunities within Africa’s gaming industry and to honor the continent’s homegrown talent,” he noted.
Established in Lagos in 2012, Maliyo Games has produced upwards of 40 culturally rich games and collaborated on notable ventures, including the Disney-supported project Iwájú: Rising Chef.
