What does it take to make a meaningful impact in the fast-evolving world of African mobile games? For the ten marketing interns chosen from nearly 700 applicants to join Maliyo Games, it meant embracing the thrill, facing new challenges head-on, and diving deep into an industry where creativity and storytelling thrive. This internship wasn’t just about gaining experience; it was a chance to become part of a movement, one that brings African stories to life through games. For the four of our interns who completed the program, it was more than an internship—it was an adventure that brought them closer to understanding how creativity, strategy, and community come together to build unforgettable brands.
When Kingsley, Wade, Jemima, and Yemi joined Maliyo’s marketing internship, they were eager to make a difference. Over five months, they didn’t just learn—they engaged, experimented, and truly immersed themselves in the games industry. From early marketing fundamentals to impactful projects, these interns quickly transitioned from curious beginners to invaluable contributors. But it wasn’t always easy – and that’s where the real magic happened.
Let’s step into this journey together, discovering how these interns grew, learned, and left their mark on the Maliyo family and the world of African mobile gaming.
Learning the Ropes of Games Marketing
The internship kicked off with an immersive learning phase designed to lay the foundation for a successful career in games marketing. The interns dove into key areas such as brand strategy, digital marketing essentials, and the specific tactics used to engage Maliyo’s unique, diverse audience. One of the highlights was participating in the Summer Game Jam—a one-week event where they got their first hands-on insights into game development. This experience let them connect theory to practice, applying their early marketing knowledge while gaining a deeper appreciation for the game creation process.
Work Placements: Real-World Experience Across Teams
After the learning phase, it was time for the interns to roll up their sleeves and dive into real-world projects. They rotated across various teams, including three product teams, a program team (Game Up Africa), and the central Marketing HQ. This structured rotation ensured they gained well-rounded exposure to different parts of the company, allowing them to contribute to various projects while building a wide range of skills.
From creating social media content to planning campaign strategies, each intern faced unique challenges. The rotations also gave them a chance to work on both product and community-focused projects, making them agile and adaptable team members. Remote work came with its own set of challenges, but daily team scrums, weekly company calls, and Friday bonding sessions kept everyone aligned, connected, and motivated.
Reflecting on this phase, Wade shares:
“Working on real-world projects gave me a new appreciation for how dynamic game marketing can be. Maliyo’s approach taught me to think strategically while still being adaptable.”
Mentorship & Personal Growth: Learning from Industry Leaders
Mentorship was a cornerstone of this internship. Each intern had the opportunity to connect with industry experts like Disney Game Producer, Cheyenne Shotton, and Lauren Clinnick from A Kinder World, who offered practical advice on building effective marketing strategies and navigating career paths in the gaming industry.
Additionally, they were introduced to tools such as Scenario, an AI-powered image generation platform, which opened up new creative avenues for their work. Learning about these tools first hand gave each intern an edge, blending traditional marketing skills with new technology .
Jemima reflects on the mentorship experience:
“Each mentorship session was like a masterclass, filled with advice that’s both inspiring and practical. I’m grateful for the exposure to such rich knowledge.”
Company Culture: Building Connections and Having Fun
What made this internship unique was Maliyo’s strong company culture. With daily scrums for team alignment, weekly check-ins, and Friday “It’s a Wrap” sessions to wind down, the interns were well-supported throughout the experience. Maliyo’s Knowledge Cell events stood out, offering a monthly opportunity for everyone to analyze games from other studios, exchange insights, and understand different approaches to game design and engagement.
Kingsley shares:
“Maliyo’s culture made us feel connected, even remotely. The Knowledge Cell was especially eye-opening—seeing games from other studios taught us new ways to think about our own work.”
Projects that Made an Impact
As the internship progressed, the interns applied their knowledge to support the launch of two exciting new games: Secret Letter and Crazy Ludo. They were involved in developing the marketing campaigns and took active roles in social media and community engagement, ensuring that players felt connected to these games from the start. These projects were the perfect opportunity to put months of learning to the test, and each intern was thrilled to see their strategies take shape and resonate with Maliyo’s audience.
Reflecting on this achievement, Yemi shares:
“Launching these games felt surreal. We were given real responsibilities and were encouraged to be creative, which made the experience incredibly rewarding.”
Final Reflections & A Look Ahead
This marketing internship was more than just a training ground; it was a comprehensive journey of growth, adaptability, and real-world learning. From managing deadlines to collaborating across various departments, each intern came away with a strong set of skills and experiences that will shape their future careers. With the support of mentors, the Maliyo family, and invaluable practical experience, the interns leave as confident, capable professionals ready to make their mark in the gaming industry.
A big thank you to Maliyo’s CEO, Mr. Hugo Obi, and Marie Shabaya for their support, as well as the entire Maliyo team for fostering such a dynamic environment for learning and growth.Stay Connected with Maliyo Games:
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