Glu Mobile
Glu Mobile is a Chicago-based mobile game developer that creates and publishes freemium entertainment titles for iOS and Android globally, monetizing through in-app purchases and advertising across a portfolio built via organic development and studio acquisitions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Glu Mobile does
Glu Mobile is a Chicago-based mobile game developer founded in 2001 that built and operated a portfolio of freemium entertainment titles for smartphones and tablets. The company monetized through in-app purchases and advertising on Apple App Store and Google Play, distributing globally with a stated headcount of 501-1000 employees. Over its operating life Glu pursued an aggressive inorganic growth strategy, completing eleven studio and IP acquisitions between 2006 and 2017 (Superscape, Blammo, Griptonite, PlayFirst, Cie Games, CrowdStar, QuizUp, Dairy Free Games, and others), expanding from early Java- and feature-phone games into mid-core, casual, social trivia, and lifestyle categories.
Glu was publicly traded on NASDAQ under ticker GLUU and raised over $400M in disclosed equity funding across more than ten rounds, including two strategic investments from Tencent (2015, 2016) that established a publishing relationship for the China market and an acquisition of MIG China for regional infrastructure. The company's go-to-market was centered on the freemium consumer model: free downloads converting to paying users via in-app purchases and ad monetization, with international distribution led by a dedicated VP/GM International.
The source material notes that Glu Mobile historically operated as an independent mobile gaming company prior to its 2021 acquisition by Electronic Arts, after which Glu's studios and franchises were integrated into EA's broader studio portfolio. As such, current standalone operations, revenue, and product roadmap are subsumed within EA and not separately reported in the provided data.
Glu Mobile firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Glu Mobile
- Website
- https://glu.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Glu Mobile is a Chicago-based mobile game developer that creates and publishes freemium entertainment titles for iOS and Android globally, monetizing through in-app purchases and advertising across a portfolio built via organic development and studio acquisitions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Glu Mobile industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mobile Games
- akta.pro primary industry
- Mobile App Stores & Marketplaces (BPAMADAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Digital Game Distribution Platforms & Storefronts (PC/Mobile/Console) (MPAFABAB), Mobile Game Publishing & App Game Stores (BPAMAKAB), Mobile App Stores (General) (MPAFACAC)
Keywords
Where Glu Mobile is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Glu Mobile business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others
Glu Mobile product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Glu Mobile develops and publishes entertainment-focused freemium mobile games for smartphones and tablet devices. Its catalog is delivered through major app storefronts under a free-to-play model, monetized via in-app purchases and advertising. The company also expanded its game portfolio and live services through acquisitions of studios such as CrowdStar, QuizUp, Dairy Free Games, Cie Games, PlayFirst, Blammo Games, and Griptonite Games.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Companies that use Glu Mobile
Customer profileIdeal customer profiles1 record
Glu Mobile technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Glu Mobile partnerships and signals
Strategic signalRecent moves2 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Glu Mobile competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Zynga: Zynga is a leading publisher of freemium mobile games (FarmVille, Words With Friends, CSR Racing) targeting similar casual/ mid-core audiences via iOS and Android app stores — directly comparable in business model, monetization, and platform dependency to Glu Mobile.
- King: King (Candy Crush, Farm Heroes Saga) is a leading freemium mobile puzzle/social-casino publisher under Activision Blizzard. Closely comparable to Glu in live-ops freemium mobile model, target demographic, and reliance on app store distribution.
- Supercell: Supercell (Clash of Clans, Hay Day, Brawl Stars) is a Tencent-backed freemium mobile game studio. Comparable to Glu in freemium mobile-first design, hit-driven portfolio model, and Tencent as a shared strategic investor.
- Scopely: Scopely (Monopoly GO, Stumble Guys, Marvel Strike Force) is a fast-growing freemium mobile publisher built on licensed IP — directly comparable to Glu's celebrity/IP-driven franchise strategy and freemium monetization.
- Rovio Entertainment: Rovio (Angry Birds) is a Finnish freemium mobile game publisher built around a single major franchise, now part of Sega. Comparable to Glu in mobile-first freemium model and franchise-driven live-ops.
- Jam City: Jam City develops licensed freemium mobile games (Disney Magic Kingdoms, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery). Highly comparable to Glu's celebrity/IP-licensed mobile strategy and freemium monetization.
- Playrix: Playrix (Homescapes, Gardenscapes, Township) is one of the largest freemium mobile puzzle/casual publishers globally. Comparable to Glu in freemium mobile model, casual audience focus, and global UA spend profile.
- Kabam: Kabam (formerly known for Marvel Contest of Champions and other mobile titles) is a freemium mobile game studio. Comparable to Glu in mobile-first freemium design and licensed-IP-driven portfolio.
- Peak Games: Peak Games (Toon Blast, Toy Blast) is a freemium mobile puzzle publisher, acquired by Zynga. Closely comparable to Glu in casual freemium puzzle model and mobile app store distribution.
- Wooga: Wooga (June's Journey, Tropic Escape) is a Berlin-based freemium mobile story/casual publisher, owned by Playtika. Comparable to Glu in freemium mobile model and narrative-driven casual audience.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Glu Mobile social profiles
Digital presenceGlu Mobile financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Glu Mobile leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Glu Mobile funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds10 records
Investors13 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Glu Mobile M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A11 records
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Glu Mobile
What does Glu Mobile do?
Glu Mobile develops and publishes entertainment-focused freemium mobile games for smartphones and tablet devices. Its catalog is delivered through major app storefronts under a free-to-play model, monetized via in-app purchases and advertising. The company also expanded its game portfolio and live services through acquisitions of studios such as CrowdStar, QuizUp, Dairy Free Games, Cie Games, PlayFirst, Blammo Games, and Griptonite Games.
Is Glu Mobile a public or private company?
Glu Mobile is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Glu Mobile founded?
Glu Mobile was founded in 2001. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Glu Mobile based?
Glu Mobile is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
Who are Glu Mobile's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Zynga, King, Supercell, Scopely, Rovio Entertainment, Jam City, Playrix, Kabam, Peak Games and Wooga.
Does Glu Mobile have an API?
No public API is recorded for Glu Mobile.
What industry is Glu Mobile in?
Glu Mobile's product category is Mobile Games. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAMADAA, Mobile App Stores & Marketplaces, with a secondary code of MPAFABAB, Digital Game Distribution Platforms & Storefronts (PC/Mobile/Console).