Imagine a world in which you don’t need expensive gaming equipment.
Would you be willing to be in a world in which all you ever have to do to start gaming is opening your browser, select a game and start playing with no heavy downloads required?
This could soon become a reality with Google’s cloud gaming service, Stadia. Google’s new revolutionary cloud game streaming service is launching in November 2019.
Stadia is like having a game console in the cloud that you can access from any device. Think of it like how Netflix is a DVD player in the cloud but not exactly Netflix. At launch, you’ll be able to use it on laptops or PCs with a Chrome browser, Pixel 3 and 3a phones, and a Chromecast Ultra.
Cross-platform Gaming
Stadia allows players to access games on all kinds of platforms, from their laptops, mobile devices, and TV. Stadia will offer cross-platform play, Stadia players will be able to play multiplayer with other players in supported games on other, supported platforms.
Players would be able to cross-saves and cross-platform progression in their games. Cross-platform gaming is the biggest feature and has the ability to change the gaming industry completely
Cross Platforming can take Google to the top of the gaming industry in no time
Resolutions and Requirements
Google claims that if you have at least a 10Mbps internet connection, you should be able to use Stadia and get 60 fps at 720p and standard stereo sound. For 4K and 5.1 surround sound it says you need at least a 35Mbps connection.
These requirements are a bit high standard considering the availability of high-speed internet in India, plus the smooth gameplay would also be affected by how close will be the Google data center to your location.
Founders Edition
Those who want to play in November rather than waiting until next year have to opt for The “Founder’s Edition” starter package will go for $130 contains three months of Stadia Pro service ($10 per month after), a “Buddy Pass” to give a friend three months free, Destiny 2, exclusive Night Blue Stadia Controller, Stadia Controller Power adapter, Google Chromecast Ultra dongle, Google Chromecast Ultra Power adapter with an Ethernet port, and a Founder’s Stadia name and badge.
Stadia pro is subscription pack offered by Google in which users can play games in 4K at 60 frames per second with 5.1 surround sound
A free lower tier, Stadia Base, will be available next year
Base users’ streams will be capped at 1080p resolution with stereo sound (still 60 frames per second). These packs come with a Disclaimer –
“Gameplay experience will vary depending on internet connection and device. 4K-capable HDTV and high-speed broadband internet connection required to play in 4K. Google Chromecast Ultra required to play on TV. 4K, 60 FPS, HDR, and 5.1 surround sound only available to Stadia Pro subscribers. Non-subscribers may experience up to 1080p and 60 FPS.”
Free games of a Stadia Pro membership will remain free only as long as your subscription is active, any games purchased through Stadia are permanently yours.
New dedicated controllers
The individual controllers are now available to pre-order for $69 and come in three different colors Clearly White, Just Black and Wasabi. The controller comes with regular similar buttons as Xbox or PS, but have two new buttons which are quite exciting
Capture button which allows you to share and save your gaming experience back out to YouTube.
The other one is the Google Assistant button which allows the user to get help from google without disrupting your game. Imagine you are stuck on level and assistant can help you get through by playing a walkthrough video.
State Share – a new way of playing
Stadia’s State Share feature, gamers can jump in and play what they see in videos and screenshots shared via links or on YouTube from other players by clicking on the play button
With this feature, you will be able to start your game just where the screenshot is taken. Games that choose to integrate State Share can pass game state data to Stadia during gameplay. Stadia will record these states along with any media such as a video, screenshot or live stream created through the platform.
Netflix of gaming?
One common misconception of the Stadia service is that it will be like Netflix — a subscription service where you have a catalog of games you can play for free. This is not the case. Users should expect to have to purchase games just as they would on Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network. “We will sell these games like any other digital storefront,” Google’s Director of Games Jack Buser
Here are all the games Google has confirmed so far:
How Stadia will transform Gaming?
Stadia is beckoning a new horizon into this industry. Splurging on a dedicated PC for gaming is an expensive affair (even if you buy a laptop). Then, there is the small matter of paying big bucks for a game that you might not play again once you’re through with the main storyline.
This also means that you may no longer be needed to purchase a console or upgrade your gaming PC. This cloud gaming would impact the industry giants, Alienware, Sony, Microsoft, Valve and Nintendo hugely as their services still require dedicated gaming hardware
Stadia having these features will surely force users to think before they buy expensive PC components, gaming consoles. Google has converted everyday devices into a gaming device and it does not matter how powerful your laptop or phone is. Nvidia is stepping up their game by making Sheild TV stadia supported, but will be greatly impacted
Why India is a challenge for Cloud-based gaming?
India still struggles to achieve 15Mbps mean national bandwidth of internet, and network congestion and heavy latency mean such networks never perform to their full potential. It is this very factor that clearly states that the world is not ready for Stadia yet, and probably won’t be for a while.
No Physical holdings of your games is surely a factor as if the data gets corrupt or if the company shuts down this project, you will no longer possess these games.
