Google has announced its game streaming service Stadia on Tuesday. The platform will be available later in 2019 in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe.
Stadia offers the possibility to stream games, thus games are not installed or downloaded, but made available on a user’s device from a data center. That way gamers can play in an internet browser, for example. Google promises to stream images with 4K resolution and 60 frames per second (fps) to users. In addition, Stadia offers support for HDR and for surround sound.
Streaming can be done (at a price of course) to desktops, laptops, TV, tablets and smartphones. Gamers can use their own controller, mouse or keyboard to complement their screen. In addition, Google has announced its own Stadia controller, which connects via WiFi to a game in the data center of Google, and automatically recognizes what screen the player uses.
The controller includes a button to share images directly on YouTube. In addition, the Stadia controller has a built-in microphone, allowing gamers to use Google’s voice assistant while playing. Google is not the only company that bets on streaming for games. Microsoft (xCloud), Sony (PlayStation Now) and chip maker Nvidia (GeForce NOW), among others, are entering the market. Amazon also want to develop a game streaming service. Doom Eternal and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey will be available on Google’s platform. The duration and price of a subscription to Stadia has not yet been announced.
