Strategy Analytics, a strategic consulting firm, released a study today that sheds some interesting light on buying trends and preferences among mobile-phone using gamers. The study interviewed 30 gamers over five different types of mobile phone games, and asked for their preferences. It also studied their preferred methods of purchasing mobile games.

The conclusions Strategic Analytics reached were pretty much what you'd expect. Gamers were shown to have a distinct preference for games that make use of a phone's touchscreen, and other sensory monitors like the accelerometer. Such features add extra dimensions to a gaming experience, and require more of the user's physical focus to utilize.

Participants also stated a resounding preference for programs that gave them the ability to purchase new games once and for all, rather than dealing with monthly rates or payment plans. Both iPhone and Gphone apps are purchased outright in this way, and this study will hopefully push other retailers to adopt similar methods.

Larger studies in this same vein are certain to start coming out soon. Mobile gaming has exploded in the last year alone, and profits from games and apps have become very significant parts of developer revenue. If future studies show these same trends, we may see some of the lessons learned here start to carry over more into the worlds of computer and console gaming. Touchpad and accelerometer games with the power of a desktop behind them could take the hobby in bold new directions. I know I can't be the only one who wants to play a touchpad version of Starcraft on my netbook.