Kim Kardashian cashing in with new app
Video game app challenges players to become rich and famous
Kim Kardashian West has found yet another way to capitalize on her star power. The reality personality and businesswoman is set to make millions after lending her name and persona to a new app.
Reports suggest Kardashian West could make up to $85 million from Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, an app created by San Francisco-based publisher Glu Mobile.
The 33-year-old is believed to be snagging 45 per cent of the game's profits, which are predicted to reach $200 million this year.
Developers say they worked alongside Kardashian West for more than a year.
"I think that Kim's probably the best fit in the world for the kind of game we've built," Glu CEO Niccolo De Masi told Bloomberg News this week.
Kim is effectively your mentor as a player, as you work your way up the rungs of Hollywood to become ultimately an A-list celebrity- Glu CEO Niccolo De Masi
The app, which is the only one in Apple's App Store Top 10 with a five star rating, takes advantage of Kardashian West's major brand power.
It lets users play a game to create their own superstar character and rise to fame and fortune.
"Kim is effectively your mentor as a player, as you work your way up the rungs of Hollywood to become ultimately an A-list celebrity," De Masi said.
The app is free but there are lots of opportunities for profit through "micro-transactions", according to De Masi.
Users buy products in the app such as "energy" to help them galavant around Hollywood and of course, a wardrobe to dress for different events (which includes purchasing from the Kardashians' own line of clothing).
About 10 to 15 per cent of revenue comes through advertising dollars.
Users describe the game as addictive
More than a million users have signed up for the app since it was introduced three weeks ago.
It is number five on Apple's Top Grossing Chart and surprisingly, has 40,000 five star reviews.
Many of them say the game is addictive, and offers an inside look at a lavish Hollywood life.
Kardashian West, who recently married rap artist Kanye West, rose to fame after a sex tape involving a previous boyfriend was leaked in 2007.
Since then, the mother of one has built an empire as a socialite, fashion designer and reality television star.
Her hit TV series, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and subsequent spinoffs, focus on her celebrity lifestyle and relationships between family members.
She's estimated to be worth $45 million.