Study: Gamers Play More and Spend More on Tablets vs. Smartphones

Tablets are the “mobile platform of choice” for gamers, according to a new study from research firm Frank N. Magid Associates. The study, sponsored by Diner Dash publisher PlayFirst, estimates that 61 million people play games on tablets, compared to 54 million on smartphones. The popular free-to-play business model performs better on tablets, where 31 percent of gamers buy virtual goods, spending an average of $48 each in the past 12 months. By contrast, the study reported that only 19 percent of phone gamers drop real money on in-app purchases, spending an average of $32 each in the same time.