The popular mobile game, Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, is set to shut down after almost a decade of generating massive revenue. Launched in June 2014, the game allowed users to step into the glamorous world of Hollywood, climb the social ladder, and create their own path to stardom. However, as of April 8, 2024, the red carpet will roll up for the last time.
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The free-to-play game, developed by Glu Mobile, became an instant hit, attracting both gamers and those new to the gaming world.
Players started at the E-list and aimed to achieve A-list status, navigating a virtual universe filled with runway fashion, fame, and celebrity encounters.
The game’s experience went beyond the virtual Hollywood, featuring appearances from Kim Kardashian’s family members, including Khloé Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, and Kris Jenner.
In its first two years alone, Kim Kardashian: Hollywood reportedly raked in a $157 million in sales. Although the lifetime revenue remains undisclosed, the game continued to perform well, contributing to Glu Mobile’s financial success.
The company, acquired by Electronic Arts in 2021 for $2.1 billion, credited the resurgence of the game for its earnings during the full-year 2020 financial results.
Players could buy virtual currency, known as K-stars, to acquire in-game items such as clothing, shoes, accessories, and even accelerate their progress within the game.
The controversy surrounding microtransactions, the game leveraged this monetization strategy effectively, generating over $200 million in its first year alone, with a portion contributing to Kim Kardashian’s earnings.
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Kim Kardashian took an active role in the development process of Kim Kardashian: Hollywood. According to a 2014 Wall Street Journal interview with Glu’s then-CEO Niccolo De Masi, Kardashian approved not only the use of her likeness but also every item of clothing featured in the game.
This hands-on approach contributed to the authenticity of the game. Kim Kardashian: Hollywood was a game with cultural phenomenon that defied expectations.
Critics questioned the viability of a game centered around a celebrity’s life, but its success challenged norms and paved the way for a new genre of mobile games tailored toward young women. Polygon even named it one of the 100 best games of the decade.
The announcement of the game’s closure shocked many loyal players who had been actively engaged in the virtual Hollywood lifestyle for almost a decade.
In a statement to People, Kim Kardashian expressed her gratitude to the people, acknowledging the importance of the journey but addressing her decision to focus on other passions.
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Glu Mobile’s official statement, posted on its user forums, outlined the discontinuation of in-app purchases and the removal of the game from major app stores.
However, existing players have until April 8, 2024, to continue playing and utilizing any in-game virtual currency.
As Kim Kardashian: Hollywood prepares to bid farewell, its financial achievements, the game played a role in challenging stereotypes and opening up new avenues for games catered to diverse audiences. The rise and fall of the game is the end of an era in mobile gaming.
From reality TV star to business mogul, Kardashian has ventured into various industries, demonstrating her entrepreneurial prowess.
One of her most successful ventures post-gaming has been the creation of the underwear and apparel brand, Skims.
The brand, which expanded to include men’s clothing, has seen success and speculation of an initial public offering (IPO) for the company.
Additionally, Kim Kardashian cofounded a private equity firm named SKYY Partners in 2023. The firm made its first investment in Truff, a trendy condiment company specializing in truffle-infused sauces.
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