Google and Ubisoft are streaming a blockbuster video game, completely playable through the Chrome web browser, as part of the Project Stream test.
Project Stream is a technical test to solve some of the biggest challenges of streaming. For this test, Google is going to push the limits with one of the most demanding applications for streaming - the soon-to-be released Assassin's Creed Odyssey.
Google and Ubisoft will stream the soon-to-be releasedgame to your Chrome browser on a laptop or desktop. Starting on October 5, a limited number of U.S.-based participants will get to play the latest in this franchise at no charge for the duration of the Project Stream test.
The idea of streaming such graphically-rich content that requires near-instant interaction between the game controller and the graphics on the screen poses a number of challenges. Streaming high-quality games requires latency measured in milliseconds, with no graphic degradation.
Google says there are limited spaces available for Project Stream, but if you're interested participating, you can apply on this website. Project Stream is geared toward home internet connections capable of 25 megabits per second, and you must be 17 years or older and live in the U.S. to participate. You'll also need a Google account, a Ubisoft account, and a computer with a recent version of Chrome (version 69 and higher).
A successful test would put Google at the forefront of a new part of the videogame business that lets people play games as they're being streamed, rather than using downloads or disks.
Google was developing a subscription-based game streaming service that could work either on its Chromecast or a Google-made console, the Information had reported in February.
The search engine giant also unveiled new tools for game developers in March, challenging technology rivals including Amazon's Twitch.