Google’s Entry for the Cloud Gaming Competition

Stadia is a cloud gaming service operated by Google. Boasting various capabilities such as video game-streaming for up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second and the ability to share save states with viewers on Youtube, Stadia operates through the Google Chrome web browser on desktop computers and even through smartphones, tablets, smart televisions, digital media players, and Chromecast. Stadia is a gaming platform meant to ease your burden when it comes to storage and consoles.

Play It Up

Cloud gaming or gaming-on-demand is a type of online gaming that runs games on remote servers and streams them directly to a user’s device. Basically, you’ll be playing a game remotely from the cloud. It is a pretty neat service since cloud storage would mean less taxing storage on your device, especially if you’re using a phone. More, there is actually no need to install and wait for the game to be playable. Cloud gaming allows you to play it as soon as it loads due to the nature of how cloud streaming works. With this, you can just jump right in on the action. However, one notable disclaimer to this is, of course, the need for extremely fast and stable internet connection. You will also need to be near the game servers. If you often have a poor connection, it’s not recommended to try cloud gaming much as it might just ruin your fun. If you have a good internet connection, however, then there are tons of cloud gaming services available, and Google Stadia is one of them. 

Cloud Gaming for Anyone

Stadia operates the same way as NVIDIA’s GeForce Now, in which you can stream and play games via the cloud. Stadia can stream video games on 4K resolution at 60FPS if your connection is good. A premium subscription can even let you upgrade this further. You can cast Stadia on other devices, too, such as TVs and tablets, and play your games there instead of your usual device. Stadia is also integrated with YouTube, allowing you to use a unique “state share” feature wherein viewers of a Stadia stream can play the game on the stream and use the same save state as the YouTube streamer’s file. It’s an amazing way to connect with other people even more. Stadia is compatible with HID class USB controllers, and Google offers a controller with a direct Wi-Fi link to its data centers. However, this cloud gaming service isn’t a subscription-based service, like Uplay Plus or EA Origins. You have to buy the games to be able to stream them with Stadia, rather than pay to access a library of different games. The base services are free, while the monthly subscription lets you stream at higher rates for larger resolutions.

Great Rewards at a Cost

Stadia promises much fun and convenience, especially for players who don’t have the necessary storage space or hardware to accommodate heavy games on their devices, whether they be laptops or phones. However, the biggest problem with proper cloud gaming is the stability of your internet connection. If you know yours isn’t the best, Stadia might not be a good pick for you.