In their latest community update, the Stadia Team have given a small insight into what's coming to the Linux-powered game streaming service Stadia across 2020.
Missed our first impressions of Stadia? Check them out here.
They said "more than" 120 games will be coming to Stadia this year, more interestingly though they also mentioned that 10 will be arriving in the "first half of this year" that will "only" be on Stadia when they launch. So that's presumably some timed-exclusives they have going. No names were mentioned, so we just have to wait and see.
120 doesn't sound like a lot, when compared with how many launch per month on Steam but the difference here of course is how Google will be curating the selection to pull in big titles.
Over the next three months they will also be rolling out 4K support in the web browser, more Google Assistant features in the web browser, more Android phone support and finally wireless gameplay on the web browser with the official Stadia Controller.
Personally, I think unless Google will be rolling out Stadia Base soon the whole timed-exclusive thing doesn't make sense. What's Stadia Base? It's what everyone who doesn't pay for Stadia Pro will get, it's limited to 1080p but anyone can register an account and buy/play games at that point. So why pay for developers to release on Stadia first, when only people who purchase the Founder/Premier bundle can access? Since they mentioned the features coming in the next few months, I would expect Stadia Base to launch before the end of March to coincide with it working across a wider availability of devices.
Additionally, Tequila Works who developed the Stadia-exclusive Gylt spoke to GamesIndustry.biz and they sound quite positive about their experience working with Google. They went so far as to say Gylt had the "smoothest production for a Tequila Works game ever.". They also mentioned "a few features that are going to blow people's minds" when they launch on Stadia at some point.
For people in the UK, BT are currently offering a Stadia Premiere Edition (includes Chromecast Ultra, Stadia controller and Stadia Pro) with certain broadband bundles you can see here. From the press release:
We continually look to provide our customers with the most exciting products and experiences, and by partnering with Google on Stadia, we’re able to help them push the limits of gaming. We’re also investing in the UK’s fastest 4G, 5G and fibre networks, so our superfast home broadband service is the perfect accompaniment for those wanting to make the most from this innovative streaming gaming platform.
Marc Allera, CEO of BT’s Consumer Division
The offer with BT runs until January 30, with it stopping and then starting again on February 7. It's an odd short break, perhaps between those dates is when Stadia Base will launch?
I've had a good personal experience with Stadia but I'm definitely wanting to know what Valve have planned, for whatever this Steam Cloud Gaming turns out to be. It could be a real headshot against Google if done right. Hopefully we find out soon.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
End of speculations :)
PS I expect EA's streaming service to fail. I hope it's good, but I just don't see them being able to compete with MS and Google.
Arehandoro Jan 17, 2020
Quoting: mao_dze_dunMy guess is Steam Cloud gaming has more to do with Valve's partners than Valve itself. Microsoft and EA are both friends with Valve again, and both companies are developing their game streaming services. Considering it's been confirmed Origin Access is coming to Steam, it's not too far-fetched to expect some form of Game Pass to make its way as well. And since it's all but certain that the top tier of Game Pass will include the subscription to xCloud, it is very possible for EA to offer some equivalent. It's more likely (for me anyway) that Valve will enable such services through Steam, rather offer a cloud gaming solution of their own. Quite frankly, they just don't have the money and infrastructure to pull something like this themselves, IMO (don't get b*ttheart people, you know I'm right). Beyond Google and Microsoft, I can't really think of another company that has the network infrastructure and the infinite resources to create a palatable game streaming service. Even Sony has partnered with MS on that front.
End of speculations :)
PS I expect EA's streaming service to fail. I hope it's good, but I just don't see them being able to compete with MS and Google.
Well, in terms of Infra I would say Amazon is probably a key player here. Microsoft can potentially pull it off too, but I think all of them should partner to use the same protocols and technology to lower the cost and barrier for everyone. But that won't happen.
SirLootALot Jan 17, 2020
Quoting: ArehandoroWell, in terms of Infra I would say Amazon is probably a key player here. Microsoft can potentially pull it off too, but I think all of them should partner to use the same protocols and technology to lower the cost and barrier for everyone. But that won't happen.
Ah, Amazon - you're right. Them too. Actually, I think there are rumors of them actually building one. Would make sense really - they have tablets, Fire TV, Alexa, game development division and cloud of their own. It will be a interesting year, for sure.
Mountain Man Jan 17, 2020
Quoting: Mountain ManI had forgotten that Stadia was even a thing. Seems like there was lots of hype about it, then it was released, and everybody promptly ignored it. Just doesn't seem like its made much of a splash.I'd say that's because people don't want to jump in with both feet. Only the Premier edition is available now, which is $129 and comes with 3 months of "Pro" service. If I was me, I'd just want to sign up for one month and try it out using already-owned controller.
I do want to give it a try, but not for over $100. That's too steep to demo something when I already have a good computer, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
Quoting: 14If I was me
I have to remember that one! :D
Quoting: 14I do want to give it a try, but not for over $100.
👍
Quoting: 14Quoting: Mountain ManI had forgotten that Stadia was even a thing. Seems like there was lots of hype about it, then it was released, and everybody promptly ignored it. Just doesn't seem like its made much of a splash.I'd say that's because people don't want to jump in with both feet. Only the Premier edition is available now, which is $129 and comes with 3 months of "Pro" service. If I was me, I'd just want to sign up for one month and try it out using already-owned controller.
I do want to give it a try, but not for over $100. That's too steep to demo something when I already have a good computer, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
Yup, it's a big ask right now. Once Stadia Base is out, with anyone able to register for free and then try a free to play game or buy a game - it will be very interesting to see how the views on it change.
And on the other hand, they've got the free service, where you pay a basically normal price for games and then play them on the network for free (well, except your internet service gets expensive from bandwidth), costing Google money as you use their server infrastructure like crazy. Probably people will go for that, with a decent marketing push. But can Google make money that way?
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