Google is dipping its toe into the gaming area with a full-fledged gaming platform called Stadia, which it announced at a keynote at the Gaming Developers Conference (GDC) on Tuesday. With promises to revolutionize the gaming experience, Google claims that the Stadia service is cheating and hack-proof due to being completely cloud-based. Users will also be able to seamlessly play and transfer gameplay to a number of different screens. Read on to learn more about the Google Stadia gaming platform.
Google Stadia streaming and basics
The Google Stadia gaming platform is based on Linux and developed on Vulkan, which should allow it to support most gaming development platforms, including Unreal and Unity. Users will have streaming options between 080p up to 4K, depending on their internet connections, with 4K allowing for 60fps streaming, HDR, and full surround sound. Google has hinted at plans for 8K streaming at some point.
Google Stadia specs and compatibility
Though Stadia is a cloud-based gaming platform, Google says its power and performance is equivalent to hardware with a AMD 2.7GHz x86 processor, 16GB RAM, transfer speeds up to 484GB/s, and a GPU with 10.7 terraflops of power.
The remote computers doing the heavy lifting will have these specifications, allowing users to seamlessly play games on any Google Chrome run device, including Chromecast Ultra, the Chrome Browser, desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones with an appropriate and consistent data connection. Google has not yet shared the exact internet connections specifications.
Google Stadia game compatibility
In addition to the confirmed games, Doom Eternal and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Google says it is working with over 100 studios to bring content to Stadia. Google also mentioned its own studio, Stadia Games and Entertainment, which will develop first party content for the service.
Google Stadia hardware
Though the Stadia service is completely cloud-based, Google has introduced its own Stadia controller as its hardware component. The controller is WiFi based and connects directly to Google’s servers, with support for Google Assistant and a Capture button that allows users to screen and save gaming experience to YouTube. While the controller is developed for the best lag-free gaming Stadia experience, gamers can also use their own accessories, including controllers, mice, and keyboards.
Google Stadia features
Some features on Google Stadia include Google Assistant integration, which allow users to get advice or troubleshoot hands free with a “Hey Google” command. The State Share feature will allow users to share with fellow gamers, live action replay clips as if their mates were playing the game themselves.
With YouTube Gaming integration, users will be able to watch others play live as well as participate in games. This would make Stadia a direct competition to the gaming service, Twitch. Gamers will be able to set up and build communities to gain followers, while enthusiasts will be able to subscribe and interface with gamers and other fans.
There are also YouTube specific features, such as Crowd Play, which will allow users to enter a game in the middle of a stream, without having to start from the beginning. Instant jump will allow users to enter a game directly after watching a preview clip or trailer.
Google Stadia price and availability
Google has not yet shared specific price and release details for the Stadia, but did say the platform will be available in the U.S., Canada, UK, and most of Europe later this year. We are sure to hear more details about Stadia during Google I/O in May and E3 in June. The official release will likely be after those events.
Other looming Google Stadia questions
- How will Google address users’ data caps for internet?
- How will Google address latency issues that are common in cloud-based gaming?
- How is Google Stadia different from rival services, such as NVIDIA GeForce Now and PlayStation Now?
- Will Google Stadia prices be competitive enough to make users choose it over current hardware gaming platforms?
