“I never knew making games could be this fun!” – Nima, Junior Intern, 2024
Last year, we watched wide-eyed kids walk into our studio with curiosity. And walk out with confidence, creativity, and a whole new appreciation for game development. From sketching characters to testing their first prototypes, these young talents brought ideas to life. It reminded us why we do what we do.
For us at Maliyo Games, it’s never just been about the games. It’s about the people who play them. The cultures they reflect. The stories they tell. And most importantly, the creators behind them, especially the ones who are just starting to discover their own magic.
That’s why we’re incredibly proud to announce the Maliyo Games Junior Internship 2025; a two-week, hands-on work experience program for kids. It’s designed specifically for kids aged 10–14 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Why We’re Doing This
Africa is full of stories. Bold, colourful, and vibrant. But too often, the tools to tell these stories, especially through games, feel out of reach for young people.
We want to change that.
We believe that when kids are exposed to game development early, they don’t just learn to build games. They learn how to think creatively, solve problems, collaborate with others, and express their identity in meaningful ways.
Our Junior Internship is about planting that seed.
We’re building a generation of developers who see African stories not just as inspiration. But as an integral part of the global gaming narrative.
What to Expect
Over the course of two weeks (July 7–18, 2025), interns will:
- Explore the basics of game design and storytelling
- Develop essential soft skills at the workplace
- Work in groups to build their own mini game
- Present their work to an audience
And yes, there will be plenty of play, too.
Who Can Apply?
- Kids aged 10–14 based in Lagos, Nigeria
- No prior game development experience needed
- Just curiosity, a love for games, and a hunger to create
What Makes This Special
Last year, kids like Femi told us they’d never touched a coding platform before. By the end of the program, he was presenting a functioning prototype. It had character dialogue. It had sound effects.
And the best part? These kids weren’t just participants. They were creators. They made decisions. They gave feedback. They learned to think like game designers.
Why Parents Love It
Parents told us they saw their children grow in confidence. They noticed problem-solving skills. They heard them talk about teamwork and ideas with pride.
This internship isn’t just fun. It’s foundational.
Where It Happens
All sessions will be held on-site at Maliyo Games HQ in Lagos. Our team of developers, designers, and creative leads will mentor and guide the interns each day. It’s a supportive and safe environment.
What’s Next?
Applications are now open. Sign up your child up here.
Follow us on social media for updates.
For those returning from last year—welcome back. For those joining us for the first time—get ready. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create.
Stay Connected
Want a glimpse of what last year looked like? Visit our blog for highlights, photos, and testimonials from the 2024 internship cohort.
Let’s unlock new worlds, one young creator at a time.
