Apple and Google Celebrate African Storytelling in Gaming with Maliyo Spotlight
Two of the world’s biggest tech giants, Apple and Google, have turned the spotlight on Maliyo Games, reaffirming the Lagos-based studio’s role as a global champion of African creativity through gaming.Apple’s upcoming Nigeria Independence Day editorial will feature Maliyo’s standout titles; Safari City, Crazy Ludo, Whot King, and Secret Letter — each blending familiar gameplay mechanics with African-inspired narratives, art, and music.
Earlier this year, Google Play selected Maliyo for its #WeArePlay campaign, a global film series celebrating diverse developers shaping the future of gaming.The feature tells the story of Hugo Obi, Maliyo’s founder, charting the studio’s journey from Lagos to the world. It highlights not only Maliyo’s portfolio of games but also its groundbreaking talent initiative, GameUp Africa, which is building the next generation of creators on the continent.
Watch the Google Play #WeArePlay film here: #WeArePlay: Hugo, Maliyo Games – NigeriaApple’s Independence Day editorial will showcase how Maliyo’s games capture everyday African experiences and turn them into interactive entertainment. From the bustling city life of Safari City to the cultural tradition in Whot King, each title embodies authentic African storytelling packaged in mobile-first gameplay.
“This recognition from Apple, alongside our recent feature by Google, is another powerful validation of our vision,” said Hugo Obi, Founder of Maliyo Games. “We are proving that African stories belong on the global stage.”Behind every global spotlight is a growing ecosystem of African talent. Since its launch in 2021, GameUp Africa has become the talent pipeline powering Maliyo’s creativity. Now in its fifth year, the program has reached over 6,000 aspiring developers across 20+ African countries, equipping them with skills in programming, game art, and audio design.Graduates of the program have gone on to work on acclaimed projects and start their own studios — proof that Maliyo’s commitment to empowering African storytellers through gaming is paying off.
Looking ahead, Maliyo is proud to announce MaliyoCON 2025, its first-ever developer-led gaming conference in Lagos, Nigeria. Scheduled for December, MaliyoCON will bring together creators, investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore how African stories can drive the next phase of the global gaming industry.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.
About Maliyo GamesFounded in Lagos in 2012, Maliyo Games has developed over 40 titles and established itself as a cultural ambassador through gaming. With a robust talent pipeline built via GameUp Africa and international recognition from Apple and Google, Maliyo continues to push boundaries in crafting games that are fun, accessible, and unmistakably African.Watch Maliyo’s Google Play #WeArePlay feature here: #WeArePlay: Hugo, Maliyo Games – Nigeria
