Since 2012
Africa is not just playing games. We’re making them.
Since 2012, Maliyo Games has been on a mission to build world-class games, develop exceptional talent, and help create a thriving games industry in Africa. What started as an ambitious idea in Lagos has grown into a studio working across game development, global partnerships, education, research, and industry development.
Philosophy
Build games. Build people. Build the industry.
Build Games
Commercially successful products that stand beside the best in the world, made in Africa and played everywhere.
Build People
Exceptional talent grows through training, mentorship and real production experience, so great ideas have the people to carry them.
Build the Industry
Africa’s gaming industry grows through access to markets, meaningful partnerships and a community committed to growing together.
Capabilities
What we do.
Original Games & IP
We create and own original mobile games and characters rooted in African culture, built to grow into lasting franchises.
Game Development & Co-production
We design, build and ship games for global brands and studios, from concept through live operations.
Publishing & Distribution
We take games to market across Africa and beyond, with the audience insight, channels and partnerships to help them find players.
Talent Development
Through GameUp Academy we train the next generation of African developers, artists and designers for real careers in gaming.
Industry Research & Partnerships
We publish research on Africa’s games market and work with partners, investors and institutions to grow the industry.
Journey
From Lagos to the world.
2012–2021
The beginning
Maliyo Games is founded in Lagos, with a vision to create African-inspired games for global audiences.
2021–2024
Building the next generation
GameUp Academy launches, expanding Maliyo’s commitment to talent development.
2024–2025
A new chapter
Maliyo expands its studio operations and collaborates on Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef.
2025–2026
Growing the ecosystem
Research, industry events, and international partnerships deepen Maliyo’s role in the African games industry.
2026–Present
Building for what’s next
New games, the evolution of GameUp Academy, MaliyoCON 2, and continued international engagement.
Our team
The people behind the games.
We work with highly motivated, creative, and ambitious minds — engineers, designers, artists, data analysts and more.
Hugo Obi
Founder & CEO
Founder and CEO of Maliyo Games. Featured in Google Play’s #WeArePlay campaign and a regular keynote voice on building Africa’s games industry, including at GDC, Games for Change and the Global Game Jam.
Marie Shabaya
Marketing & Communications Lead
Leads marketing and communications at Maliyo Games and is the named press contact on the studio’s published releases.
Partners
Built in Africa. Connected to the world.
Client & Collaborator
Programme Partner
Let’s talk
Let’s make something extraordinary.
Have a game to build, a partnership to explore, or an idea worth bringing to life? We’d love to hear from you. Building the best GameDev team in Africa. Do you have what it takes?