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UK developer Mobile Pie has finalised a deal with Tapjoy to bring its popular iOS property My Star to Android.
The deal has come about as part of the Tapjoy Android Fund, which was conceived to provide financial and development support to app developers looking to port their existing content and apps to the Android platform.
"Android owners need My Star in their life and we’re delighted that Tapjoy is working with us to make that happen by backing and promoting it," said Mobile Pieʼs creative director Will Luton. "These guys know their buisness when it comes to mobile promotion and acquisition. They’re the big dogs."
Initially released for iOS in March 2011, My Star combines ‘simulation gameplay’ with location mechanics, and encourages players guide hopeful rockstars through a recording career to stardom.
The deal will see Tapjoy assist Mobile Pie with both development costs and marketing as the Bristol studio ports My Star from iOS to Android. Additionally, Tapjoy will distribute the game through its performance-based ad network, with a view to improve discovery of the game and drive new user acquisition. Finally, Tapjoy will enable My Star to harness its ad-funded payment option, allowing players to earn the muic-themed game’s in-app currency – Star Cash and Coins – for free.
“It’s really exciting to be working with Mobile Pie: They’re young, sharp and very talented. I look forward to being a part of the success of My Star for Android and watching them shape the future of games," concluded Tapjoy’s European manager Paul Bowen.
