New numbers from online gaming market research firm, NewZoo.
From the News Release:
Newzoo’s latest Trend Report on Mobile Games shows that the total number of Americans that play games on their smartphone, tablet or iPod Touch has now surpassed the 100 million mark, a year-on-year increase of 35%. Europe shows a growth of 15%, totaling 70 million gamers for seven key territories. Men slightly outnumber women in the US (52%) as well as in key European countries (55%). Growth rate in terms of time and money spent is significantly higher. In addition to the growing installed base of smartphones and tablets, three key drivers are accelerating growth of this games market segment: uptake of in-game purchases in free games, tablets and smartphones each creating their own market and the popularity of “mid-core” games. In 2011, mobile gaming took 13% of all time spent on games worldwide, totaling more than 130 million hours a day, and 9% of total money spent on games, grossing $5.8bn.
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The free-to-play business model is increasingly converting players into continuous payers and already accounts for 79% (EU) and 90% (US) of mobile game spending. In February, the top 5 grossing games for Europe and US were all free games, with Dragonvale, Smurfs’ Village and Zynga Poker topping the charts. Paid games enter the top 5 at launch, but in most cases drop out within a month.
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69% of US mobile gamers play games on a smartphone, 21% on a tablet and 18% on an iPod Touch. Figures for Europe are comparable: 69%, 16% and 11%.
Read the Complete Summary
Direct to Trends Report on Mobile Games: March 2012 (14 pages; PDF)
Includes many graphs and lists.
INFOdocket 
Posted on March 29, 2012 by Gary D. Price