Analyst: 71 Percent Of iPad Owners Play Games

Around 7 out of 10 iPad owners use their devices to play games, according to a recent study. Research firm Interpret's recent report, "iPad Gamers: A Look At The Users Of Gaming's Shiny New Toy," claims that approximately 71 percent of the over 8 million people who own iPads in the United States use the device for games. According to analysts at the firm, this usage comes at the cost of engagement with other game-playing devices. "Collectively, iPad gamers are showing slightly decreased involvement with gaming on home consoles, mobile phones, and Nintendo handheld consoles," said Interpret analyst Jason Preston. "These facts imply that iPad game developers and publishers can definitely reach a new audience on the iPad, and should also closely monitor Apple's positioning of the iPad as an in-home gaming device, especially considering the platform's already obvious impact on traditional gaming behavior." The study suggests that the iPad is "gaming's wildest frontier" and the one with the most potential for growth. The sentiment is shared by the U.S.'s largest video game specialty retailer, GameStop, which recently announced that it will begin selling the devices in its shops.