Google's New Streaming Platform Looks to Disrupt the Video Game Industry
Stadia is a “game platform for everyone.”
Google just unveiled a new streaming game platform called Stadia, according to CNBC News. The service will allow users to play video games at high-quality levels using either their laptops, phones and TVs as long as there is internet connection. The announcement coincides with the mega tech company’s efforts to claim their space amongst heavy-hitters like Microsoft and Sony in the $140 billion USD gaming industry. The company states that Stadia is actually a “game platform for everyone” and that the focus is giving users the freedom to play games without buying pricy machines and consoles.
As for how it works, games will be playable through Google’s cloud. “With Stadia, the data center is your platform,” a Google rep said. This gets rid of the idea that game fans have to buy actual discs or cartridges or even wait long periods of time for a game fo fully download. Doing away with the use of more expensive hardware in order to play is also the goal in mind. All players need to do is enter the platform, start playing on a device (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) and if they want, they can continue their game on another device.
Impressively, Stadia will be able to host 4K resolution games as well as 8K resolution titles in the near future. A Stadia-specific controller will also be available for purchase which has Google Assitant capabilities and easy straight-to-stream options. A button allows gamers to put their gaming experiences right onto YouTube for streaming and that a microphone will be readily available for games that require voice interactions.
As for competitors, it looks like Microsoft’s upcoming xCloud will rival the Stadia. Watch the videos above and below to get a better idea of what’s in store for the streaming platform. In other Google-related news, it looks like Nintendo Switch controllers will be compatible with Google Chrome.
Gather around as we unveil Google’s vision for the future of gaming at #GDC19. Join us live 3/19 at 10 a.m. PT → https://t.co/rb6fN26PDi pic.twitter.com/Vd242KZAWO
— Google (@Google) March 12, 2019
