Google Stadia - An Introduction

GOOGLE STADIA - AN INTRODUCTION

Stadia controller pictured.

Google Stadia is a brand new, upcoming game streaming platform by Google. While a similar service is currently under development by Microsoft, currently known as Project xCloud, Stadia is intended to be its own independent platform and storefornt rather than a method of streaming existing games. Google Stadia offer resolutions of up to 4K and framerates of up to 60fps and 5.1 surround sound. This will allow for a high-end gaming experience, if your connection can handle it.

Google says that for a stable experience playing at 4K60 with 5.1 Surround, you'll need internet speeds of 35Mbps or higher, also, current data suggests that 1TB of data will be used in 65 hours of playing.

Internet speeds required for different quality settings.

Accepted input methods include Mouse and Keyboard, supported controllers (Xbox and PlayStation) and the Google Stadia controller. Google say that for the definitive Stadia experience, you'll need the Stadia controller. This is likely because the Google Stadia controller connects directly to the Google data centres using Wi-Fi, this allows for less input delay with the Stadia controller than other input methods. Also, the Stadia controller has a 'Capture' and 'Google Assistant' button allowing for extra features not available with other input methods.

The Google Stadia controller comes in four different colours, 'Clearly White', 'Just Black', 'Wasabi' (not available in Canada or Nordics) and 'Night Blue' (exclusive to the Founders Edition).

All Stadia controller colours.

Google are offering a Founders Edition for early adopters of Stadia. You can pre-order this now until June 2020 or until stock runs out, so be quick! The Founders Pack includes a limited edition Night Blue Stadia controller (pictured above), a Chromecast Ultra (allowing for play on HDTVs), a Founders Badge for your Stadia profile, first dibs at usernames on Stadia and 3 months of Stadia Pro for you and a friend. More information is on the pre-order page. Founders will get early access to Stadia in November 2019.

Pro membership benefits.

Stadia Pro costs £8.99/month and allows for up to 4K60 quality and 5.1 Surround. It also allows for free games similar to the Instant Game Collection on PlayStation and Games with Gold on Xbox. Stadia Base allows for up to 1080p60 and Stereo sound which for most is still all that is needed. Stadia Base and Stadia Pro (for non-Founders) will be launching sometime in 2020.

Stadia Founders preview.

Overall, Stadia seems promising however of course as it is mostly new technology, it should be met with a level of scepticism. However, it seems promising considering there will be no need for the purchase of a console or PC, no need for downloads and updates and no need of upgrading every so often. As long as the streaming is reliable, fast, widely available and sticks to its apparent speed requirements, then Stadia could have a real chance at revolutionising the way we play games.