The American rapper, singer, songwriter and actress Nicki Minaj and actor Jason Statham signed exclusive deals to develop games in the company behind Kim Kardashian: Hollywood , Glu Mobile. The English actor, martial artist, and former diver Jason Statham and Minaj will also join Katy Perry, Kendall and Kylie Jenner and Britney Spears.
As expected to be released in summer 2016, the singer-songwriter Minaj will lend her name, likeness, voice and creative direction in her upcoming mobile title.
Niccolo de Masi, Glu chairman and CEO, said in a statement, "I am thrilled to welcome the undisputed queen of hip-hop, Nicki Minaj, to Glu's growing list of celebrity partners. Nicki brings to Glu her audience of over 100 million social followers and a new music category. We look forward to combining Nicki's distinctive style and massive global appeal with Glu's celebrity social gaming expertise."
The first male celebrity partner of Glu is Jason Statham. Statham's name, likeness and voice alongside a first-person shooter experience will be included in his mobile game titled Sniper X: Kill Confirmed. The game is slated to be released in fall 2015.
Niccolo de Masi said, "Jason Statham's action persona and the strong social following make him an ideal partner for Sniper X: Kill Confirmed. We look forward to launching this new title to a global audience of mobile action gaming fans, including Jason's social audience of more than 54 million followers. I'm pleased to welcome Jason to Glu's celebrity portfolio and believe this new partnership will cement Glu's leadership in the Hollywood gaming space."
Mike Olson, an analyst with Piper Jaffray, said that Ms. Kardashian actively promotes her game on social media - that is why her game has resonated. And also her famous real-life friends and family were incorporated into the game - that includes Ms. Kardashian's husband Kanye West and their daughter North.
The well known games like "Diner Dash" and "Deer Hunter" were also made by Glu.