On October 16, IGN commissioned Ipsos MediaCT to conduct a study titled, “Are You Game?” In it, 1,997 gamers aged 12-54 were asked what stores they go to purchase games. (The category of “gamer” was simply defined as people who play computer games, console games, online games and video gaems, which includes just about everyone.) The results are both interesting and unsurprising.

62 percent of gamers responded that they buy games at Wal-Mart. Of course, Wal-Mart is the biggest retailer in the world, so as the video game industry and market has grown it’s not surprising that gamers would go to the store that has everything. Tied for second is Best Buy and GameStop/EB Games. Near the bottom of the list are Toys “R” Us and Blockbuster.

Personally, I buy most of my games at Best Buy, using GameStop for cheaper used games. I also regularly check  Amazon for deals. Wal-Mart, however, has improved considerably in the games department. They used to stock nothing but the biggest releases and sports games, but now I can often find even niche RPGs or strategy games there.

I’m a little dismayed to find Toys “R” Us so near the bottom of the list. If you keep your eye open, you can often find hidden gems tucked away there, passed over by kids reaching for the new Dora the Explorer game instead.

What’s your game store of choice? Let us know in the comments or forums.