Glu Mobile (NSDQ: GLUU) launched the fifth mobile version of “Guitar Hero” globally this week, after developing and publishing the title on behalf of its partnership with Activision (NSDQ: ATVI). Previous versions of the game were produced by Hands-On Mobile, but Glu gained access to the franchise back in June. Release.

The title is part of a trend towards leveraging music in games. EA Mobile showed off “Rock Band” for iPhone in October at CTIA, and startup Tapulous has developed a number of games under the brand “Tap Tap Revenge,” also on the iPhone. Glu’s release of the hit title “Guitar Hero” will only be available from carriers on a worldwide basis, although it is currently working on an Android version. Glu does not own the rights to build the iPhone game.

Guitar Hero 5 Mobile not only allows users to rock out on the guitar, but also the drums and bass guitar to 20 songs from such bands as Blink 182, 3 Doors Down, Sublime and Vampire Weekend. The game has three difficulty settings and players have the option of multiple venues and characters.

Earlier this week, Glu Mobile appointed its co-Chairman Bill Miller as interim president and CEO, replacing Greg Ballard, who announced his departure earlier this year.

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