Google And Maliyo Games To Train African Mobile Game Developers
July 26, 2021, 11:05 a.m.
The African gaming scene is experiencing a surge owing to the increasing prevalence of high internet speeds and the penetration of smartphones. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria have been acknowledged as top game developers in the African region. A comparative study records that smartphone gaming as a form of entertainment accounts for 24% in Africa.
For instance in Nigeria alone, the downloads of gaming apps surged by 44% in Q1 2021 compared to Q1 2020—its populous youthful sector attributes to this factor. Furthermore, the ever-growing youthful population in Africa is attracting investment into the region.
This month, Google is partnering with Maliyo Games, a Nigerian mobile game developer to open applications for a mobile game developer training program. Called GameUpAfrica Bootcamp, the program is available to interested individuals in Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Accepted applicants will participate in a virtual training program from August 16 to December 23, 2021, during which they will be evaluated on three levels of instruction: Game Development Fundamentals, Succeed on the Play Store and Publish Your First Game. Moving on to the next level is validated by successfully completing one level.
Submit your news stories, articles or press releases to editor@digitaltimes.africa
Or
“With over 500 million mobile phone users, the African continent represents a significant business opportunity for persons with creative and technological skills. With this Bootcamp, we’re addressing that need. Hugo Obi, the founder of Maliyo Games, stated, “Our goal is to incorporate Africa’s vivid culture into video games through storytelling, character development, immersive landscapes, fascinating sounds, and strong visuals.”
“We started this program because we’re always looking for exceptional people to join our team as a game development studio,” Obi explained.
The GameUpAfrica Bootcamp is an adaptation of an existing training project by Maliyo Games, which was instituted in 2020. It is a curriculum-based training program that prospective hires must go through before they are accepted into the company.
Between 2020 and now, the company has trained seven people and absorbed one into the company. Interestingly, the program was born out of the need to solve the problem of talent acquisition.
Using a current self-paced and project-based learning method, participants will learn to design mobile games for the Google Play store, polish, bundle, and develop casual Android games over the Bootcamp session.
To apply or for more information, visit the website.
Verny Joy Author
Verny loves to write poetry, fiction and quotes. Her love for writing landed her in journalism. She loves gadgets and travelling to explore new places.