In a groundbreaking recognition of African innovation, Apple Inc. has spotlighted Maliyo Games, a Nigerian-based game studio, as part of its Africa Day App Store celebration, marking a historic moment for the continent’s creative and tech sectors.
The feature showcases three of Maliyo’s leading titles—Crazy Ludo, Safari City, and Whot King—all of which were updated with Africa Day-themed content and made available on the App Store and Google Play from May 21, 2025.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, underscores Maliyo’s pioneering role in developing culturally resonant mobile games that tell African stories using African talent.
“This recognition is a defining moment for us and for African game developers,” said Hugo Obi, founder of Maliyo Games. “It validates years of work by our pan-African team and affirms our vision to build games that reflect who we are.”
Each title offers a unique take on African life and traditions. Crazy Ludo reimagines the classic board game with localized themes, vibrant visuals, and special Africa Day tournaments. Safari City combines match-3 gameplay with city-building mechanics that highlight African homes, neighborhoods, and landmarks.
Meanwhile, Whot King revives the popular Nigerian card game with a multi-city tournament featuring heritage-inspired decks and settings drawn from across the continent.
Founded in Lagos in 2012, Maliyo Games has emerged as a cultural force, training a new generation of African game developers through its GameUp Africa program. The initiative, launched in 2021, has received over 6,000 applicants and served as a launchpad for many of the creators behind the featured games.
Obi emphasized that the spotlight from Apple is not just a win for Maliyo but a reflection of Africa’s rising influence in the $1 billion gaming industry, which continues to gain global traction.
“With our collaboration with Disney on Iwájú: Rising Chef, and now with Apple’s feature, we’re seeing global interest in what African creators can do,” he said.
He concluded, “Africa is not just part of the future of gaming—we’re helping define it. This is the beginning of something big.”
