Google launches Stadia, the 'Netflix' for gaming on any machine
Google has stepped into the field of web-based video game streaming. The search giant has announced Stadia, a Netflix-like platform for playing graphic-intensive games on any machine, be it an entry-level notebook, a phone, or tablet. It was showcased at the ongoing Game Developers Conference and will be available in the US, UK, Canada, and Europe this year. Here's all about Stadia.
Stream high-end games on any device
Unlike traditional gaming platforms, Stadia doesn't require players to use high-end gaming machines to play graphics-intensive games like Assassin's Creed Odyssey or Devil May Cry 5. The service instead relies on Google's data centers located all across the globe, Engadget reported. It leverages Google's hardware and cloud computing to stream any title seamlessly on the browser of a connected machine.
Gaming at 4k without installing anything
Google says Stadia can already stream popular titles at 1080p, 60fps but that capability will be ramped up to 4k and 60fps (with HDR and surround sound) by the time of launch later this year. Users would get Netflix-like launch-and-play experience without having to install/run anything. Notably, Google has also said that Stadia's streaming quality will eventually go up to a whopping 8k.
What processing power Stadia offers
Stadia is powered by Google's Data centers, which are being bundled with computers hosting a 2.7GHz processor, 16GB RAM, and a custom AMD GPU. With this, the platform promises to produce 10.7 teraflops of processing power - more than that of PS4, Xbox One X combined.
Also, Stadia games would be easy to launch
Along with a handy gaming platform, Stadia is also offering developers additional ways to expand the reach of their titles. For instance, people would get an option to play a game in Chrome after streaming its official trailer/gameplay on YouTube. Among other things, people would also be able to join games from live streams or continue from a particular section shared by a friend.
Also, Google launched a dedicated Stadia controller
Along with the service, Google also launched a dedicated Stadia gamepad for players. This device would be like a regular controller but enhanced with two additional buttons: one for triggering Google Assistant's help and the other for live streaming the game on YouTube.
Many questions still remain unanswered
Stadia promises to revolutionize gaming, but as of now, it's not clear when exactly the service will come into the Indian market. Google VP Phil Harrison told Eurogamer that Stadia would run on any connection where YouTube runs well - a fact that keeps the possibility of India launch alive. Also, do note that there's still no word on the price of this service.
