A decade after the release of Kim Kardashian’s mobile game, Kim Kardashian Hollywood, news has surfaced that the game is shutting down. On January 3, game developer Glu communicated its resolution to discontinue Kim Kardashian Hollywood through a user forum post. The decision entailed the immediate unavailability of the game for future downloads on that very day. 

‘Kim Kardashian: Hollywood’ Mobile Game to Shut Down After Almost 10 Years — and Generating Hundreds of Millions in Revenue https://t.co/wvFbNWH4iL

— Variety (@Variety) January 4, 2024

Simultaneously, the app ceased facilitating in-app purchases and was delisted from all app stores. In addition to these measures, Glu assured current players that they would retain the capability to continue playing, utilizing any existing in-game virtual currency, until April 8. The game, a strategic climb up the social ladder to A-list celebrity status, initially served as a significant publicity stunt, ultimately proving lucrative, with earnings exceeding $160 million in 2016. 

The widespread popularity of this game triggered the development of various copycat games, leading to a trend exemplified by notable iterations like The Swift Life dedicated to Taylor Swift and Britney Spears: American Dream for Britney Spears. These endeavors underscore the industry’s reaction to the original game’s success, illustrating a consistent pattern of emulation as other artists and celebrities explore the realm of mobile gaming. As part of this trend, Glu even ventured into developing an app for Katy Perry, named Katy Perry Pop, though it faced closure in 2016, merely a year after its launch.

In the world of  gaming, Kim Kardashian Hollywood stands out as an example of a modern game featuring a celebrity who could hold their own overlong a period of time. Although celebrity appearances in video games are not a new phenomenon, their impact and frequency are increasing and show no signs of slowing down.

The fusion of the appeal of celebrities with the ever-evolving world of video games represents a significant advancement in digital entertainment. This revolutionary shift smoothly blends the charm of renowned stars with the essence of the game, encompassing financial benefits, personal satisfaction, heightened exposure, and entertainment value.

Even today, this trend remains strong and features prominent figures like Keanu Reeves in Cyberpunk 2077, Conan O’Brien in Death Stranding, and Kristen Bell in Assassin’s Creed.