Here’s what we know about Stadia – Google’s new game streaming platform

The online gaming world has been reacting to the much-anticipated reveal of Google’s new streaming service.

There was rumour and intrigue, but on Tuesday March 19 Google finally unveiled Stadia – ‘a new way to play’.

Essentially, Stadia will allow gamers to play across multiple devices. It’s hoped that gaming resolutions will be brought up to 4k, 60 frames per second. Surround sound, linked up to TV, computer, tablet or mobile devices, will also take away the ‘limitations of traditional consoles’.

It’s set to launch later this year in the US, UK, Canada and other parts of Europe. Stadia will also have its own dedicated controller, though existing USB controllers will still work.

The controller will be Wi-Fi compatible, so lag issues shouldn’t be a problem. Google has also said that it will utilise its data centre power in order to make Stadia possible.

Exact pricing and further details are yet to be confirmed. However, it is understood that Doom Eternal is to be one of the first games confirmed for the new platform.

Google Stadia has been confirmed in a statement.

What has Google said?

For Phil Harrison, Google Vice President, ‘the new generation of gaming is not a box’. He has told gamers that ‘the data centre is your platform’ while announcing the launch.

Harrison wrote a statement, which was shared on Google’s blog, explaining the development. He proudly reflected on Google’s history of putting the world’s information at our fingertips. Google’s data centre and network capabilities were credited with making this possible.

“Now we’re using that technology to change how you access and enjoy video games,” he wrote.

“Stadia is a new video game platform, delivering instant access to your favourite games on any type of screen—whether it’s a TV, laptop, desktop, tablet or mobile phone.

“Our goal is to make those games available in resolutions up to 4K and 60 frames per second with HDR and surround sound. We’ll be launching later this year in select countries including the US, Canada, UK and much of Europe.”

He added: “To build Stadia, we’ve thought deeply about what it means to be a gamer and worked to converge two distinct worlds: people who play video games and people who love watching them.

“Stadia will lift restrictions on the games we create and play—and the communities who enjoy them.”

https://youtu.be/AffodEEF4ho

So, how does Stadia work?

Stadia will allow players access to their games at all times and on virtually any screen, say Google. Developers too will have access to almost unlimited resources, allowing them to create the games ‘they’ve always dreamed of’.

Stadia can evolve as quickly as the imagination of game creators, according to the tech giant. This is because Stadia, “a powerful hardware stack”, combines server class GPU, CPU, memory and storage with the power of Google’s data centre infrastructure.

Harrison added: “Data centers make Stadia possible, but what sets the system apart is how it works with other Google services. In a world where there are more than 200 million people watching game-related content daily on YouTube, Stadia makes many of those games playable with the press of a button.

“If you watch one of your favorite creators playing Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, simply click the ‘play now’ button. Seconds later, you’ll be running around ancient Greece in your own game/on your own adventure—no downloads, no updates, no patches and no installs.”

Did someone mention a dedicated Stadia controller?

Oh yes, they did. And it’s looking slick! “When we designed the Stadia controller, we listened to gamers about what they wanted in a controller,” added Google’s Vice President.

“First, we made sure to develop a direct connection from Stadia controller to our data centre through Wi-Fi for the best possible gaming performance.

“The controller also includes a button for instant capture, saving and sharing gameplay in up to 4k of stunning resolution. And it comes equipped with a Google Assistant button and built-in microphone.”

Stadia: a new way to play @google https://t.co/TOlK1JOTh6

— Michiel Sallaets (@Chimiel) March 19, 2019

Oh my! This is amazing. #Stadia #Google pic.twitter.com/MFKuJjge80

— Robin Williams (@RLeeW) March 20, 2019

What you all have been asking, is here 🥇

Meet the #Stadia Controller:

✅Connects via WiFi
✅ Low latency gameplay
✅ Share gameplay in just a click
✅ Get help from the Google Assistant

*Please do not whip, throw, or dab with said controller.

pic.twitter.com/aY1QRr2PEU

— Stadia (@StadiaGoogle) March 21, 2019

Final thoughts

Google says that with its “vast experience, reach and decades of investment” it is making Stadia a powerful gaming platform for players, developers and YouTube content creators of all sizes.

Phil Harrison concluded his statement by simply saying; “We’re building a playground for every imagination.”

The big reveal has had a mixed reaction so far. Many have welcomed the news, especially keen developers! Yet others have met it with scepticism. TechRadar writer, Matt Hanson, has vowed “Google Stadia won’t make me ditch my gaming PC any time soon”.

Google’s accompanying video to the statement (above) is also a pretty exciting watch. So, what are your thoughts about Google Stadia’s upcoming launch? Be sure to let us know!

In the mean time however check out our selection of great Desktop Games that you can download and play today.