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Glu Mobile

Full company profile

uuid00035gv

Namestring
Glu Mobile
Websiteurl
glu.com
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
2001
Descriptiontext

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.

Short descriptiontext

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.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
501–1,000
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersChicago, United States
HQ citystring
Chicago
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Keyword5 values
mobile game development, freemium mobile games, smartphone entertainment apps, tablet gaming software, in-app purchase games
Industry4 codes
1Mobile App Stores & Marketplaces
CodeBPAMADAAPrimaryYes
2Digital Game Distribution Platforms & Storefronts (PC/Mobile/Console)
CodeMPAFABABPrimaryNo
3Mobile Game Publishing & App Game Stores
CodeBPAMAKABPrimaryNo
4Mobile App Stores (General)
CodeMPAFACACPrimaryNo
Product category
Mobile Games
Social media profiles3 records
Cost components5 values
Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others
GTM typeB2C
B2C
Offering typeSoftware
Software
Core offering1 text field

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
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Recent move2 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight5 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers10 records
1Zynga
TypeDirect peer
Description

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.

2King
TypeDirect peer
Description

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.

3Supercell
TypeDirect peer
Description

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.

4Scopely
TypeDirect peer
Description

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.

5Rovio Entertainment
TypeDirect peer
Description

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.

6Jam City
TypeDirect peer
Description

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.

7Playrix
TypeDirect peer
Description

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.

8Kabam
TypeDirect peer
Description

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.

9Peak Games
TypeDirect peer
Description

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.

10Wooga
TypeDirect peer
Description

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

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat4 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights7 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Ideal customer profile1 record

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
Yes
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles11 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds10 records

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors13 records

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A11 records

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment1 record

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Glu Mobile

Mobile Gamesglu.com

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.

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

  • Mobile game development
  • Freemium mobile games
  • Smartphone entertainment apps
  • Tablet gaming software
  • In-app purchase games

Where Glu Mobile is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

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 offering

Core 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 profile

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Glu Mobile technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Glu Mobile partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Glu Mobile competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct 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 presence

Glu Mobile financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Glu Mobile leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Glu Mobile funding detail

Funding detail

Funding 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 investment

M&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).

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Kardashian thanked players in a statement.PR NewswireMobile Gaming Global Market Report 2022ResearchAndMarkets.com announced the release of its 'Mobile Gaming Global Market Report 2022,' showing the global mobile gaming market is expected to grow from $101.21 billion in 2021 to $116.43 billion in 2022 at 15.04% CAGR, reaching $209.12 billion by 2026. The report identifies key growth drivers including increasing smartphone penetration and technology advancements such as VR and AR integration in mobile gaming. In April 2021, Electronic Arts acquired Glu Mobile for $2.4 billion to accelerate its mobile portfolio expansion.NaavikAcquisition Retrospective: EA & GluEA's $2.1 billion acquisition of Glu Mobile in 2021 has significantly underperformed expectations, with the article characterizing it as "a disaster" and "another in a long string of underperforming mobile M&A deals for EA." Glu's top leaders, including CEO Nick Earl and COO Eric Ludwig, departed shortly after the acquisition, and nearly all of Glu's top-performing games declined in revenue post-acquisition, with some titles losing nearly 50% of revenue. EA is now far behind its stated goal of growing mobile revenue to $2 billion by 2024, having only generated $782 million in the last 12 months, while the company spent $3.5 billion on mobile acquisitions in 2021 alone.PR NewswireSHAREHOLDER ALERT: WeissLaw LLP Reminds FLIR, NTWN, OBLN, and GLUU Shareholders About Its Ongoing InvestigationsWeissLaw LLP announced ongoing investigations into the boards of directors of four companies—FLIR Systems, Newtown Lane Marketing, Obalon Therapeutics, and Glu Mobile—in connection with four separate proposed mergers or acquisitions involving Teledyne Technologies, Appgate, ReShape Lifesciences, and Electronic Arts respectively. The law firm is examining possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other legal violations by the boards in connection with these transactions. The investigations cover merger terms including FLIR's implied per-share consideration of $58.10, NTWN's reverse merger with Appgate, OBLN's all-stock merger with ReShape, and GLUU's $12.50 per share cash acquisition by Electronic Arts.PR NewswireThe Esports Ecosystem On Track To Reach $1.8 Billion By 2022Business Insider's Insider Intelligence projects the global esports industry will reach $1.8 billion by 2022, with total viewership expected to grow from 454 million in 2019 to 646 million in 2023 at a 9% compound annual growth rate, nearly doubling the 2017 audience of 335 million. The mainstream adoption of esports has been driven by celebrity endorsements, traditional media coverage from outlets like ESPN, and the rise of streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming that enable direct fan engagement with players and teams. The article also reports several strategic moves by gaming companies including Electronic Arts' $2.1 billion acquisition of Glu Mobile, Caesars Entertainment's investment in daily fantasy sports platform SuperDraft, and Penn National Gaming's partnership for New York mobile sports betting access.PR NewswireNew Partnerships Lead to Innovative Additions in the Gaming IndustryGaming companies are increasingly adopting digital wallet and cashless payment solutions through strategic partnerships to enhance user experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Real Luck Group (Luckbox) signing agreements with Skrill, NETELLER, ecoPayz, and Trustly to offer payment options across 100+ countries. Electronic Arts has agreed to acquire Glu Mobile for $2.1 billion, a transaction expected to significantly expand EA's mobile gaming business. Skillz Inc. has announced a partnership with the NFL to host a global game developer challenge, further demonstrating how collaborations are driving growth in the mobile gaming sector.PR NewswireSHAREHOLDER ALERT: Monteverde & Associates PC Announces an Investigation of Glu Mobile Inc. - GLUUMonteverde & Associates PC announced an investigation into Glu Mobile Inc. regarding its proposed acquisition by Electronic Arts, Inc. at $12.50 per share in cash. The investigation will examine whether Glu Mobile and its Board of Directors violated securities laws or breached fiduciary duties during the sale process, specifically questioning whether the proposed transaction undervalues the company. Shareholders of Glu Mobile who wish to obtain additional information or protect their investments are encouraged to contact the law firm.PR NewswireWhy Online Gaming Companies Are Thriving In Spite of the PandemicOnline gaming companies have experienced significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the global media and entertainment market projected to reach $2.2 trillion by 2021 and online gaming revenue expected to hit $23.6 billion in 2021. Tapinator announced record 2020 financial results with revenue of $4.5 million (up 18% year-over-year) and adjusted EBITDA of $1.0 million (up 479%), while Electronic Arts agreed to acquire Glu Mobile for $2.1 billion in an all-cash deal representing a 36% premium to Glu's share price. DraftKings expanded its partnership with the NFL to include Canada, and Glu Mobile and Zynga also reported strong fourth-quarter and full-year 2020 results with record profitability.PR NewswireSHAREHOLDER ALERT: WeissLaw LLP Investigates Glu Mobile Inc.WeissLaw LLP has announced an investigation into the board of directors of Glu Mobile Inc. for possible breaches of fiduciary duty in connection with Electronic Arts Inc.'s proposed acquisition of the company for approximately $2.1 billion. Under the deal terms, Glu Mobile shareholders would receive $12.50 in cash per share. The law firm is examining whether the board acted in shareholders' best interests, whether the per-share consideration adequately compensates shareholders, and whether full disclosure regarding the sales process and valuation has been made.