Nigeria’s Maliyo Games, a prominent game developer on the African continent, has forged a notable partnership with Disney Games to unveil a mobile game inspired by Disney+’s new animated series, Iwájú. Situated in Lagos, Maliyo Games is celebrated for its African-inspired gaming content, boasting a diverse portfolio of over 40 mobile games.
The collaboration has birthed the game Iwájú: Rising Chef, a tribute to Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage. The game challenges players to skillfully prepare and serve an array of national dishes, with Jollof Rice, a celebrated West African festive dish, taking center stage.
This partnership not only showcases Nigeria’s culinary arts but also emphasizes Maliyo Games’ commitment to projecting African culture through gaming.
Hugo Obi, the founder, and CEO of Maliyo Games, expressed immense pride in the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration is a testament to our core mission at Maliyo Games: to tap into African talent and craft high-quality games that appeal to a worldwide audience.
The Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef project is a clear indication of our team’s ability to produce exceptional mobile gaming experiences. I am incredibly proud of the Maliyo Games team for tackling this project with such passion, grace, and creativity.”
Echoing this sentiment, Sonoko Isioka, Executive Director of Product Development at Disney Games, remarked on the synergy between the two entities, highlighting Maliyo Games as the ideal partner to bring an authentic African narrative to the gaming world.
“Through our partnership with Disney and Kugali, Maliyo Games has perfectly captured the spirit of Iwájú, infusing the game with their unique vision, talent, and expertise, all while drawing inspiration from the vibrant Nigerian culture and cuisine,” she noted.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in blending African storytelling with interactive gaming, offering players around the globe a taste of Nigerian culture and cuisine through the immersive world of Iwájú.
