Google Stadia Launches
Alphabet Inc’s Google on Tuesday launched Stadia, a cloud-based service that allows users to stream games including “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey” and “NBA 2K20” on Chrome web browser.
The service will start with a slate of 22 games and stream 4K videos at 60 frames per second, which can also be accessed through Google’s Chromecast and Pixel devices.
Google is offering the 4K version as part of its premium service, Stadia Pro, priced at $9.99 per month. The free high-definition version is expected to roll out next year.
“We have over 450 games in development right now that will be coming out in 2020 and beyond,” said Google Vice President and General Manager Phil Harrison.
Stadia will need at least 10Mbps internet speed for the base 720p resolution and 35Mbps to stream games in 4K. Early reviews of Stadia have complained of latency, the time delay between pressing a button and getting the reaction on screen.
The success of cloud gaming depends heavily on the underlying network and how much controlled-latency traffic it can support during periods of peak demand.
Analysts are also pinning the success of Stadia on the content it offers as most of the games on the platform are already available on consoles.
Stadia will compete with Microsoft’s Project xCloud, which is likely to be launched next year, and Nvidia’s GeForce Now that is out on public beta.
Sony also offers a game streaming platform PlayStation Now at $9.99 per month that includes over 800 games across its console titles.
The service is currently available in 14 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Norway, France and Germany.
Stadia Founder’s Edition starts arriving today. Stadia will continue to add features and updates in the coming weeks and months, as well as more games. Twenty-six titles are coming this year, with many, many more in development all around the world. Buddy Passes will begin shipping early in December, and Stadia Premiere Edition is available to order now at stadia.com.