As it looks to build out its freemium business, Glu Mobile has launched a third party publishing initiative.

Called gPartners, it's described as a network of strategic relationships with independent mobile and social game developers, who will be able to plug into Glu's distribution network including OEM channels and carriers, development tools, and sales and marketing muscle.

Each gPartner will also benefit from relationships with app stores such as Amazon, GetJar, and Handmark.

All together

US studios such as Barking Lizards, Escalation, Flying Wisdom, Hitpoint, and Machine Works are among the first to join up but the company expects to source content from European and Chinese developers too.

"We are very excited to co-develop high quality freemium social mobile games with Glu," said Tom Mustaine, CEO of Escalation Studios.

"We are looking forward to combining our design and development expertise with Glu's global cross-social platform connectivity, industry partnerships and world class publishing resources."

Extend, expand

"gPartners provides the opportunity for Glu to collaborate with top independent developers to bring original Glu content and new third party titles to top platforms, social networks and carriers worldwide," said Niccolo de Masi, Glu's CEO.

"We are excited to continue building our global gaming network through the extension of Glu's global distribution assets and compelling social freemium content."

As well as mobile and portable device, Glu will support non-mobile platforms such as Facebook, hi5 and Wild Tangent through the initiative.

[source: Glu Mobile]