#GamingBytes: Google officially confirms Stadia's pricing, availability, and games
Google recently announced all the major details about its awaited gaming platform Stadia at its Connect livestream event. The cloud-based streaming service is all set to launch in 14 countries including the US, Canada, and the UK this November. Pre-orders for 'Founder's Edition' of Stadia are open and a free tier will be launched in 2020. Here's all you need to know about it.
What are Stadia's specs and key features?
Stadia eliminates the need for hardware to play games. If you have a web browser and a screen, you are good to go. All the processing is done on Google's powerful machines with 2.7GHz x86 processors and 16GB RAM. Its custom AMD GPUs will soon generate a whopping 10.7 teraflops of power! It ideally requires a 30 Mbps internet connection for 4K resolution.
Google Stadia is not 'Netflix for Games'
When it was announced back in March, we believed the platform was going to be for games what Netflix is for movies. That, however, isn't true. Stadia is not essentially a subscription service and players will have to "buy games like any other digital storefront." The 'Founder's Edition' will cost $130 for hardware and first three months of subscription and subsequently $10 per month.
Is Stadia launching in India as well?
No. India does not feature in the first launch list which mostly comprises of European and American countries. The 'Founder's Edition' lets players stream 4K at 60fps and it also includes Destiny 2: The Collection. Stadia Base, which is a free tier, would be launched in 2020. The controller for Stadia is available in three colors for $70.
Well-known games that will release on Google Stadia
Most notable games on board with Stadia are: Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Baldur's Gate 3, Ghost Recon Breakpoint, DOOM Eternal, The Division 2, Destiny 2, Tomb Raider Trilogy, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, Metro Exodus, Football Manager 2020, Just Dance 2020, Rage 2, The Elder Scrolls Online, Thumper, GRID, Borderlands 3, and Final Fantasy XV. More games are slated to join the platform soon.
Google might have the first-mover-advantage but Stadia's competition is growing
It seems cloud streaming is the future of gaming because all the big players are moving towards it. Stadia will surely face stiff competition. Microsoft is almost ready with its own xCloud service and a new Xbox console. Rival Sony already has a similar 'PlayStation Now' service in place. Amazon is also working on a cloud gaming service, and even Verizon is testing one.
