Glu to make a Nicki Minaj mobile game

If you’re a celebrity and have more than 100 million social media followers, Glu Mobile wants you.

In its latest deal, Glu announced today that it has formed a mobile gaming partnership with hip-hop star Nicki Minaj. It also signed up its first male celebrity, action-movie actor Jason Statham, in an effort to expand the celebrity gaming franchise that it started with Kim Kardashian: Hollywood — one that has helped Glu stand out in the crowded, nearly $30 million mobile game market.

San Francisco-based Glu made the announcement today as part of its second-quarter earnings results.

Glu reported non-GAAP revenue of $57.5 million, up 64 percent from a year earlier and far above the company’s previous guidance. Second quarter non-GAAP earnings before income tax, depreciation, and amortization was $1.7 million, also above guidance.

Glu will partner with Minaj on the development of a new mobile game that will include the star’s likeness and voice.

“I am thrilled to welcome the undisputed queen of hip-hop, Nicki Minaj, to Glu’s growing list of celebrity partners,” said Niccolo de Masi, Glu chairman and CEO, in a statement. “Nicki brings to Glu her audience of over 100 million* social followers and a new music category. We look forward to combining Nicki’s distinctive style and massive global appeal with Glu’s celebrity social gaming expertise.”

Glu noted that the celebrities it has signed have social followers in excess of 646 million. That’s important because those celebrities can tweet about Glu’s games and reach a huge number of people at low cost. That’s why Glu is signing partnerships with all of the celebrities.