Google Stadia Revealed, Google's Next-Generation Game Streaming Service
Google have officially revealed their cloud game streaming service called Google Stadia, and will launch later this year across North America and Europe.
Back in October, Google initially trialed their streaming-based gaming service, originally dubbed ‘Project Stream’, which let users play Assassin’s Creed Odyssey through Google Chrome on their PC’s. Stadia, the next form of Project Stream, works on a wide range of devices from high end PC’s and laptops via Chrome, on a TV via Chromecast, and tablets and smartphones with Google Play.
Stadia features up to 4K 60fps with HDR and surround sound at launch, with 8K and 120fps+ planned for the future. Each instance of Stadia gameplay runs with 10.7 GPU teraflops of compute power, more powerful than PS4 Pro (4.2TF) and Xbox One X (6.0TF) combined.
Stadia also reintroduces couch co-op Split-Screen to the modern era, with more than one Stadia instances allowed to be added at no extra performance cost on the gameplay.
Stadia showcased two game-changing features of the service: State Share and Crowd Play.
State Share allows you to share a moment from a game with friends eg. challenge friends to see who can beat a boss quickest.
Crowd Play lets YouTube creators/streamers to connect with their fans by allowing fans to join their session by clicking a button and instantly jumping into their match.
Stadia’s controller connects through WiFi, allowing games to instantaneously move between devices and pick up from the last point. The controller also features a capture button to share content to YouTube, and a Google Assistant button with a built-in mic to get help from assistant and recommend YouTube guides. Stadia also allows for your own USB inputs, such as keyboards and gamepads like the Xbox One controller.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and the upcoming Doom Eternal were showcased running via Stadia, with Doom to run at 4K with HDR at uncompromised at 60fps. Games will also feature full cross-platform play support including game saves and progression, with cheating and hacking countermeasures in place.
Google also ended the conference revealing Stadia Games and Entertainment, Google’s first party studio creating games exclusively for Stadia. The studio will be led by Jade Raymond, the original creator for Assassin’s Creed.
Personally, Google Stadia sounds extremely impressive, and its accessibilty and immediacy will no doubt be an enticing factor for many especially with how easy this can be accessed. Imagine Need for Speed 2019 livestreams where BlackPanthaa and the Nobeds start streaming, and you’re easily able to join our lobby just by clicking a button in a matter of seconds. The future is now.
How do you feel about the Google Stadia? Share your thoughts below!