Google Decide to Shut Down Google Stadia Services
Google Stadia is a cloud-based gaming platform that developed and operated by Google. allows users to play video games on a variety of devices, including TVs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones without the need for a console or powerful gaming PC. After less or more than 3 Years, Google decide to shut down Google Stadia.
Cloud Gaming, it is undeniable that this is a breakthrough or the future in the field of gaming. Cloud gaming allows for the freedom to play games on various devices without being restricted by the need for specific platforms. As the name suggests, cloud gaming requires an internet connection, but as long as an internet connection is available, the ability to enjoy gaming is accessible anywhere, anytime.
Google Stadia, most of you must have heard of Google Stadia right? Google Stadia is a cloud-based gaming platform that developed and operated by Google. Google Stadia made its debut by being introduced in October 2018 and then released to the public in November 2019. Google Stadia is a relatively new platform, and has several competitors such as Sony’s PlayStation Plus, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia’s GeForce NOW, and Amazon’s Luna.
As one of a cloud-based gaming, Google Stadia allows users to play video games on a variety of devices, including TVs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones without the need for a console or powerful gaming PC. The games are streamed to the user's device over the internet, rather than being downloaded and run locally. Since it is a cloud-based gaming platform, it allows players to have a seamless gaming experience with high resolution and smooth frame rates, even on a low-spec devices that would not typically have the capability to run the game. Because the important point here is the speed of the internet connection used. Minimum bandwidth needed is 10Mbit/s to play in 720p 60fps video quality and stereo sound. With 20Mbit/s bandwidth, the video quality obtained is 1080p HDR 60fps with 5.1 surround sound quality, while 35Mbit/s bandwidth will give 4K HDR 60fps with surround sound quality too.
Sadly, Google's brave move to enter the cloud gaming market ended in failure and had to stop. Via their official twitter (@GoogleStadia) they announced that google stadia service is discontinued as of date 19 January 2023 (pic.twitter.com/aCr0gW8IQq). Now, the Google Stadia servers have been shut down and the service is no longer available. However, for those who have previously purchased the service, don't need to be discouraged. Google has provided a refund option for all Stadia hardware and game purchases by mid-January 2023, but no for Stadia Pro subscriptions.
Google doesn't mention the exact reason why they closed the Google Stadia service. Even though the internet speed is getting reliable this day, as we know, consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are still the top choice for many gamers. This competition with consoles is a strong suspicion why Google decided to shut down Google Stadia. The lack of interesting exclusive content and a sales system that isn't too appealing ends up being another strong reason. Another problem is Google Stadia was not free like other gaming platforms. Users had to pay extra to subscribe to the service or buy games individually. To be successful, it seems Google still has to learn a lot from other platforms and competitors and find a more suitable target market.
