Nigerian-born Pan-African game development studio, Maliyo Games, has gained fresh international recognition as Apple Inc. and Google spotlight its culturally inspired mobile games in celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
Apple’s special editorial feature will showcase some of Maliyo’s flagship titles, including Safari City, Crazy Ludo, Whot King, and Secret Letter, all designed to highlight African storytelling, artistry, and traditions while blending them with globally familiar gameplay mechanics.
“This recognition from Apple, alongside our recent feature by Google, is another powerful validation of our vision,” said Maliyo Games’ Founder, Hugo Obi.
“We are proving that African stories and creativity belong on the global stage, while inspiring the next generation of developers across the continent.”
Earlier this year, Google spotlighted Maliyo in its global #WeArePlay campaign, a film series celebrating diverse creators shaping the future of gaming.
The campaign chronicled Obi’s journey from Lagos to building one of Africa’s leading game studios, and spotlighted Maliyo’s talent initiative, GameUp Africa, which has trained over 6,000 aspiring developers across more than 20 countries since its launch in 2021.
“Through this feature, millions of players and industry leaders are discovering how Maliyo is blending African creativity with mobile-first accessibility,” Obi explained. “Initiatives like GameUp Africa are ensuring that African titles are designed for Africans, by Africans — and for the world.”
Maliyo’s achievements also include a collaboration with Disney on the Iwájú: Rising Chef project, and Apple’s Africa Day App Store Feature, which launched culturally themed updates across its games.
Obi said such industry partnerships and recognition were cementing the studio’s role as a cultural ambassador for Africa through gaming.
In a fresh move to further boost the continent’s creative economy, the studio has announced MaliyoCON 2025, its maiden developer-led gaming conference scheduled for December in Lagos.
The event will bring together creators, investors, policymakers, and innovators to chart the future of Africa’s gaming ecosystem, showcase local talent, and explore emerging opportunities in mobile entertainment.
Founded in 2012, Maliyo Games has developed more than 40 titles and built a reputation as one of Africa’s most vibrant gaming studios.
With GameUp Africa now in its fifth year, Obi said the programme continues to power Maliyo’s creativity and nurture talent that is beginning to shape Africa’s footprint in the global gaming industry.
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