Google has revealed more about Stadia, its cloud gaming platform that some are calling the “Netflix for games”. We now know when Google Stadia is going to launch, how much Stadia is going to cost, and what games you can expect to play on Stadia.
In March 2019, Google announced Stadia. Google revealed that Stadia was a cloud gaming platform which would let you stream games anywhere and everywhere on multiple devices. However, details beyond that were thin on the ground. Until now.
Google Stadia Launch Date and Pricing
Google Stadia is set to launch in November 2019. It will be available in 14 countries. These being the USA, the UK, Canada, Belgium, Finland, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.
What’s launching in November is Stadia Pro. This costs $9.99/month, which buys you access to a catalog of free games (starting with Destiny 2), 4K, 60fps streaming with HDR and 5.1 surround sound. However, that will require a 35Mbps internet connection.
Instantly jump right into stellar gameplay experiences. ??#StadiaConnect pic.twitter.com/deFYqhxRQm
— Stadia (@GoogleStadia) June 6, 2019
In 2020, Google will launch Stadia Base, which will be available for free. However, you’ll have to buy games separately, just as you would with Steam. Streaming will also be pegged at 1080p, but that means you’ll get away with a 10Mbps internet connection.
Google Stadia Hardware and Games
At launch, you’ll be able to play Stadia games using a Chromecast Ultra, the Chrome web browser, or Pixel smartphones. More devices will be added at a later date. Stadia Controllers are priced at $69, but you can use a PS4 or Xbox One controller instead.
In terms of games, Destiny 2 is available for free to Stadia Pro subscribers. Google revealed 31 titles from 21 different publishers which will be available to buy. Titles include DOOM Eternal, GRID, Baldur’s Gate 3, Final Fantasy XV, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
One place for all the ways we play.
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Take a look at the first lineup of games coming to Stadia. pic.twitter.com/39eC6GSeco— Stadia (@GoogleStadia) June 6, 2019
The only thing you can do today is pre-order the Stadia Founder’s Edition from the Google Play Store. This buys you a Chromecast Ultra, a Stadia Controller, three months of Stadia Pro, a three-month Buddy Pass, and first dibs on securing a name. All for $129.99.
Will Google Stadia Succeed or Fail?
It’s fair to say that this announcement has split opinion amongst gamers. The catalog of games is small, the range of mobile devices supported is lacking, and most games will need to be bought seperately on top of the $9.99/month subscription.
However, Google Stadia has huge potential to succeed over the longterm. Mainly because there’s no need to buy hardware upfront. Putting $0 down rather than $400-plus on a console means gamers can spend more money on games to feed their addiction.
Read the full article: Google Reveals Stadia Launch Date, Pricing, Games
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