The future shape of playing?

So it knocks e-readers into a cocked snook, it could invigorate print media, it costs a fortune and looks jolly sexy. Apple’s iPad also looks set tochangethe way we (well, those of us who will rush out like headless chickens to buy one as soon as it launches) play.

Already on board are Gameloft and Electronic Arts, who showed specially made content at the reveal last month. The app store has massively influenced the games business via the iPhone and iPod Touch, and with the iPad, themobilegamesmarket and the PC games one look likely to converge. Electronic Arts’ Travis Boatman described the iPad as “a little bit like holdingahigh-definition television just inches from your face”. Will the iPad be a game-changer? Almost certainly, providedgamers are willing to cough up the best part of £500 just to get going.