Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, the mobile game that revolutionized the gaming industry by targeting a female audience, is set to shut down in April. The game, which allowed players to navigate the challenges of Hollywood under the guidance of Kim Kardashian, is no longer available for download on app stores, and in-app purchases are discontinued. Current players will have access to the app and in-game currency until April 8, 2024, according to a post on the game’s official message boards.
When Kim Kardashian introduced the game in 2014, it faced skepticism from the press and the public due to its seemingly simple concept—ascending the ranks of Hollywood with Kardashian as a mentor to achieve A-list celebrity status. However, the game defied expectations, generating over $74 million within six months and becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Polygon’s Petrana Radulovic recognized Kim Kardashian: Hollywood as one of the top 100 games of the decade in 2019. Radulovic highlighted its unapologetic focus on young women and considered it a landmark success for mobile games targeted at a female audience.
While the game experienced a decline in popularity over the years, it maintained a dedicated fanbase. Reports suggested it might have earned more than $8 million annually as recently as 2018. However, player complaints about the developer’s waning interest in the game surfaced in recent months. A Change.org petition emerged, calling for more frequent updates to keep the community engaged and excited.
In response to the game’s closure, Kim Kardashian expressed gratitude to the players who supported and enjoyed Kim Kardashian: Hollywood over the past decade. She acknowledged the community they built together and stated that she would forever be inspired by their collective experience.
The legacy of Kim Kardashian: Hollywood extends beyond its financial success, as it challenged stereotypes about mobile games for women and demonstrated that such games could achieve widespread popularity. While the game’s era is coming to an end, its impact on the gaming industry and cultural landscape remains noteworthy. As fans bid farewell to their Hollywood journeys with Kim Kardashian, the closure marks the conclusion of a groundbreaking chapter in the evolution of mobile gaming.
