Probability and Glu Mobile expand strategic partnership
Partners hint at targeting new markets including the US as second Contract Killer slot launches
Glu Mobile and Probability have announced the release of the second real-money slot launch through their strategic partnership, with focus now turning to the development of a full mobile casino offering.
The Contract Killer slot, based on the free-to-play title of the same name, has become the second Glu title to be repurposed as a real-money game after Samurai vs. Zombies Defence, which went live in March this year. It is available through Probability’s distribution network on a number of leading operators’ mobile casino sites, including William Hill, 888 and Paddy Power and via its white label partners.
The companies will follow the launch of the slot games by starting development of Glu-branded mobile casino suites, launched through Probability’s white label program. These will feature real-money titles based around Glu’s IP, with blackjack, roulette and bingo products alongside slot games.
The partnership between the companies was first announced in October last year, with de Masi describing it as an opportunity to “extend the reach of [Glu’s] successful original IP to new demographics”.
Contract Killer, which first launched in March 2011, is Glu’s most popular franchise, with the game downloaded over 40m times. Glu CEO Niccolo de Masi commented that he was pleased with the response to the initial real-money launch, adding that the firm continues “to see a significant long-term opportunity in the mobile real-money gambling market”.
He added that he anticipated using the UK-facing launch as a starting point before “extending these offerings as additional markets adjust regulations”.
Probability chief executive Charles Cohen added that with US states like New Jersey and Nevada legalizing online gambling, he was looking forward “to addressing the growing audience of players enjoying mobile real-money gaming.”
The news comes as Glu announced that around 12% of its workforce – 68% people – have been laid off as a result of its transition to a games-as-a-service company.
“A reduction in force was commenced today to promote talent density throughout the studio, as well as fund over 80 new [games as a service] colleagues,” de Masi told IGN.