Disney Collaborates with Maliyo Games on Iwájú Tie-In

Maliyo Games, a Nigerian game development studio with a presence in Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, has partnered with Disney to launch a mobile game tied to the upcoming animated series Iwájú. The series, which premieres on Disney+ on February 28th, is set in a futuristic Nigeria and is co-produced with Kugali Media. The game, titled Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef, is scheduled to release on the same day. According to Hugo Obi, CEO and founder of Maliyo Games, this collaboration is a dream come true, as it allows the studio to create Africa-focused gaming IP for a global audience. Disney selected Maliyo Games from a pool of regional developers who were invited to pitch a game concept. After presenting a prototype, Maliyo Games impressed Disney with its understanding of the market and its ability to create an immersive experience. The game is a cooking title that showcases local Nigerian cuisine, offering players a unique cultural experience. Obi believes that this partnership is a validation of the studio's capabilities and will help put Africa on the global gaming industry map. With this project, Maliyo Games aims to define a distinct African gaming genre, combining art style, visual effects, sound effects, and narrative development to provide players with a fresh experience. The studio's goal is to create successful IPs that cater to a global audience, while promoting African culture and talent.