When Google Play asks the question “How do you turn local culture into a global gaming hit?”, the answer is deeply rooted in Africa and Maliyo Games is proud to be at the centre of that story.

In their latest #WeArePlay film, Google Play shined a spotlight on Hugo Obi, Founder & CEO of Maliyo Games, for his role in shaping African-inspired games that are not only entertaining but also culturally authentic.

Building Games From African Identity

At Maliyo Games, our story began with a simple mission: to build games that reflect Africa’s rich heritage, vibrant cities, and powerful stories. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the traditions embedded in communities across the continent, Hugo has led our team in transforming these lived experiences into interactive digital worlds.

Our flagship titles, including Safari City, Crazy Ludo, and Whot King, are built with a focus on cultural authenticity. They don’t just play like any other mobile game — they carry the flavours, visuals, and narratives that celebrate Africa.

As Hugo shared in the Google Play feature, this identity-driven approach allows Maliyo Games to create products that resonate locally while also captivating a global audience.

Growing African Gaming Talent

But our mission goes beyond just building games. Through GameUp Africa, Maliyo’s flagship training initiative, we’ve spent the past five years equipping aspiring African creators with the skills to compete globally in programming, art, audio, and game design.

With more than 1,500 learners across 20+ African countries, GameUp Africa is proof that the continent’s creative energy is boundless — it simply needs platforms to shine. Our graduates have gone on to join studios, launch independent projects, and contribute to a growing African gaming ecosystem.

Learn more : www.gameupafrica.com

Safari City and the Future of African Gaming

The feature also comes at a pivotal moment. Our latest release, Safari City, combines match-3 puzzles with home renovation and storytelling rooted in African cities like Lekki and Nairobi. More than a game, it’s an invitation for players worldwide to experience Africa in a refreshing, interactive way.

With support from global partners like Google Play, we’re proving that African creativity doesn’t just deserve a seat at the table — it’s redefining what mobile gaming can be.

Download Links for Safari City

• **Google Play (Android)**
  Get the game on Android devices here:
  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maliyo.safaricity

Recognition and Responsibility

Being spotlighted by Google Play is more than a milestone; it’s a call to keep raising the bar. We remain committed to:

• Creating games that authentically reflect Africa’s culture.
  
• Building talent pipelines through GameUp Africa.
  
• Driving global conversations about the future of mobile gaming.
  

As Hugo put it: “We’re not just making games. We’re building an ecosystem where African creativity can thrive.”

Watch the Film

🎥 See the full Google Play #WeArePlay feature on Hugo Obi and Maliyo Games here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ7F79Bxijg&list=PLWz5rJ2EKKc83D3efdDiy5eBSVyPnKp-G