It's genuinely amazing that it's taken Google, a company that runs an entire platform dedicated to video (YouTube), almost an entire year to get their message clear on Stadia.
Originally known as Project Stream, the game streaming service Stadia released to Founders originally back in November 2019. At the time you had to have access to Stadia Pro to do anything with it, which is a monthly subscription to get access to free games and 4K output. It took until April 2020 for the service to become open to everyone, countries supported permitting, and since then so many videos and articles have been released that didn't understand the service and how you use it. People continuously gave out wrong information on, saying it required a monthly fee but across the entire time you could stop paying for Stadia Pro and simply use Stadia as a normal store.
It's amazing then, that it's taken until October 5 2020 for Google to release a proper advertisement (below) to explain it in simple terms.
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In other Stadia news Google recently rolled out a few nice new features. If you have a USB-C headset, you can now use that with the official Stadia Controller and it works across the web browser and Chromecast. They also added Tandem Mode, which lets you connect up another controller to your Stadia Controller's USB-C port — a pretty clever way to handle more local co-op play.
Want to hear more of our thoughts on Stadia and game streaming in general? We covered it in our recent Co-Op News Punch podcast. We also have a forum dedicated to Game Streaming.
You can play Stadia on Linux in a Chrome / Chromium browser at Stadia.com.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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ObsidianBlk Oct 6, 2020
Honestly... Stadia is still a bit bass ackwards to me. Now, I'm not a "hard core" gamer, personally. I like good visuals and a high refresh rate like a lot of people, but I don't bug out on a frame drop or two and I can still play PS1 era 3D and enjoy the game... but still, the technical prowess to push what google says Stadia can do graphics wise would be taxing, at best, on your average (US) household's internet connection unless you're willing to shell out serious money to the ISPs. Over cell networks? In my opinion, we are no where near the level of technology where we can pull this off in a consistently stable manner.
Worse, though, is the service model. They say it's like streaming movies or music, but they're not being wholly truthful there. I subscribe to Netflix and all of their movies and TV shows are available to be to stream. I don't have any of this "you get Pro-movies every month and you can purchase non-pro movies to add to your collection". Googles own "movies" service, where I ~DO~ buy each individual movie and TV show season separately at least has the decency of NOT charging me for the service. Amazon Prime's streaming service is the only video streaming service that seems to come close to what Stadia is trying to pull, but even then, at least Prime includes their free 2-day shipping, which, given how much I, at least, get from Amazon on a yearly basis, makes up for the price of the service on its own.
So, here's Stadia... Pay monthly for the service in which they will generously give you a few games... which are probably the games that don't make much money in the first place... then buy the actual games you want to play, shell out a shiz ton of money for an internet connection that can (close to) stably stream those games, all while crossing your fingers that after all that financial investment, Google doesn't drop Stadia like so many of their other services.
I think, if you're going to call yourself the Netflix of video games (and, to be fair, I can't recall if Google themselves ever actually did), then at least use their model... monthly cost for the service, but FULL access to their ENTIRE game library.
That's my opinion anyway... and I'm old and crotchety
Worse, though, is the service model. They say it's like streaming movies or music, but they're not being wholly truthful there. I subscribe to Netflix and all of their movies and TV shows are available to be to stream. I don't have any of this "you get Pro-movies every month and you can purchase non-pro movies to add to your collection". Googles own "movies" service, where I ~DO~ buy each individual movie and TV show season separately at least has the decency of NOT charging me for the service. Amazon Prime's streaming service is the only video streaming service that seems to come close to what Stadia is trying to pull, but even then, at least Prime includes their free 2-day shipping, which, given how much I, at least, get from Amazon on a yearly basis, makes up for the price of the service on its own.
So, here's Stadia... Pay monthly for the service in which they will generously give you a few games... which are probably the games that don't make much money in the first place... then buy the actual games you want to play, shell out a shiz ton of money for an internet connection that can (close to) stably stream those games, all while crossing your fingers that after all that financial investment, Google doesn't drop Stadia like so many of their other services.
I think, if you're going to call yourself the Netflix of video games (and, to be fair, I can't recall if Google themselves ever actually did), then at least use their model... monthly cost for the service, but FULL access to their ENTIRE game library.
That's my opinion anyway... and I'm old and crotchety
3 Likes, Who?
Quoting: ObsidianBlkThey say it's like streaming movies or music, but they're not being wholly truthful there.Depends how you take it, speaking technically they are correct and this is an advert for the masses not for deeper technical stuff.
Quoting: ObsidianBlkat least has the decency of NOT charging me for the serviceYou're not charged to use Stadia either though. So it does work the same as what you're comparing it to on their movie/tv purchases through the Play store.
From the rest of your post, it seems pretty clear you still think you have to pay for it. You do not, they even say in the video you get a free trial of Stadia Pro when you sign up and then you can just use the service as normal if you cancel it.
Quoting: ObsidianBlkshell out a shiz ton of money for an internet connection that can (close to) stably stream those gamesI regularly play it across WiFi on the opposite side of my house to where the router is, where I get about ~36mb/s and it is without issues.
Quoting: ObsidianBlkI think, if you're going to call yourself the Netflix of video games (and, to be fair, I can't recall if Google themselves ever actually did)They have never once said that, and they actually said somewhere (can't find where) not to think of it like Netflix. Edit: found it. As they said, Stadia Pro mirrors PS Plus on the PlayStation - get access to a growing collection of titles and extra discounts to buy games.
Last edited by Liam Dawe on 6 October 2020 at 3:16 pm UTC
5 Likes, Who?
ObsidianBlk Oct 6, 2020
Quoting: Liam DaweDepends how you take it, speaking technically they are correct and this is an advert for the masses not for deeper technical stuff.Yeah... but didn't Obi Wan make that same "certain point of view" remark when caught out on his "Vader murdered your father" statement? Audiences called BS on Obi Wan, I still kinda call BS on Google.
Quoting: Liam DaweYou're not charged to use Stadia either though. So it does work the same as what you're comparing it to on their movie/tv purchases through the Play store.Ok... fair enough. In my defense, though, their website is not exactly clear on that. I kept reading "Build a library of games that you can access as long as you’re a Stadia Pro subscriber." and it took me a couple rereads before I linked that statement to them referring to a library built from "free" games.
From the rest of your post, it seems pretty clear you still think you have to pay for it. You do not, they even say in the video you get a free trial of Stadia Pro when you sign up and then you can just use the service as normal if you cancel it.
Also... (and maybe I missed this too), it would be really nice if they had a little chart that shows what you get as a pro vs free member.
Also, also... what if I like the "free" games? Can I buy and play them as a free member or they exclusive to pro members only? I keep looking over the site and I'm not seeing any information on that. I suppose I'd find out if I "signed up", but I don't want to sign up for a service just to answer questions I have about the service.
Quoting: Liam DaweI regularly play it across WiFi on the opposite side of my house to where the router is, where I get about ~36mb/s and it is without issues.Again... fair enough. How is it over cellular internet? They are pushing mobile devices too, and 5G isn't exactly ubiquitous at the moment.
Quoting: Liam DaweAs they said, Stadia Pro mirrors PS Plus on the PlayStation - get access to a growing collection of titles and extra discounts to buy games.Forgive me if I'm confused, but, PS Plus...
Are you talking the the monthly charge I pay Sony for being able to play my games online and they give me two free games a month? If so, one difference is those free games are free free. Once I nab them, they're still mine if I quit the service. Stadia on the other hand does say, of their free games "Build a library of games that you can access as long as you’re a Stadia Pro subscriber." which suggests Stadia is not exactly the same.
Or, are you talking about the service Sony has ON TOP of the one above where you can stream games?
0 Likes
For now i enjoy GeForce NOW, it's cheap and doesn't require a proprietary gamepad.
There is one annoying thing: the need to relog to Steam at each session and the keyboard is QWERTY but it allow to play games that dosen't run fine with Proton.
Last edited by haiku on 6 October 2020 at 7:35 pm UTC
There is one annoying thing: the need to relog to Steam at each session and the keyboard is QWERTY but it allow to play games that dosen't run fine with Proton.
Last edited by haiku on 6 October 2020 at 7:35 pm UTC
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Quoting: ObsidianBlkOk... fair enough. In my defense, though, their website is not exactly clear on that.Yeah, their actual website and frankly the store itself is still pretty rubbish right now, they have a lot of work to do to clear all that up. The store doesn't even have a search bar yet...
Quoting: ObsidianBlkAre you talking the the monthly charge I pay Sony for being able to play my games online and they give me two free games a month? If so, one difference is those free games are free free. Once I nab them, they're still mine if I quit the service.Uh no, if you leave PS Plus, you will not be able to play the PS Plus redeemed games. It's always been that way. Stadia Pro is the same, get access while you have it, then get it back if you resume it after cancelling.
Quoting: ObsidianBlkAgain... fair enough. How is it over cellular internet? They are pushing mobile devices too, and 5G isn't exactly ubiquitous at the moment.That I don't know, I only have 4G and a data cap there so I don't dare do it over mobile net.
Quoting: haikuFor now i enjoy GeForce NOW, it's cheap and doesn't require a proprietary gamepad.You only need the Stadia Controller if you're using a Chromecast Ultra. Otherwise, as the video says, anything else.
Last edited by Liam Dawe on 6 October 2020 at 4:32 pm UTC
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ObsidianBlk Oct 6, 2020
Quoting: Liam DaweUh no, if you leave PS Plus, you will not be able to play the PS Plus redeemed games. It's always been that way. Stadia Pro is the same, get access while you have it, then get it back if you resume it after cancelling.0_0 ... yeah... you're absolutely right! I have died a little today. Thank you
2 Likes, Who?
Quoting: Liam DaweYou only need the Stadia Controller if you're using a Chromecast Ultra. Otherwise, as the video says, anything else.I shall give it a try but it cannot link with Steam Library
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I just wish ANY streaming service for games reached South America, I would pay it with a smile, Dollar is always high to buy electronics and most people don't have a good PC to play these games, it would be huge here :(
1 Likes, Who?
Apparently Baldur's Gate 3 is out for Stadia (in-development version). Please let developers know if you want a proper Linux version too:
http://forums.larian.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=652719
Last edited by Shmerl on 6 October 2020 at 6:24 pm UTC
http://forums.larian.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=652719
Last edited by Shmerl on 6 October 2020 at 6:24 pm UTC
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Been finding some great SP gems on Stadia since my MP gaming is now down to 1 day a week with work, family and other hobbies. Ended Little Nightmares, SteamWorld Heist, SteamWorld Quest and KONA. My friends and family are still playing Strange Brigade and Zombie Army 4. A few picked up BG3 but RPGs are not my thing. I will scope it out but I'm waiting for a few more free Google credits to buy some other games on there. I'm at 53.49 right now.
The ad was cool but like others online are saying they should be promoting the free console aspect of it? IDK, I just really enjoying it and I did not expect to be.
Edit - I'm very curious how the games in Pro make money? Liam did you cover this already and I missed it or can ya?
Last edited by Mezron on 7 October 2020 at 1:16 am UTC
The ad was cool but like others online are saying they should be promoting the free console aspect of it? IDK, I just really enjoying it and I did not expect to be.
Edit - I'm very curious how the games in Pro make money? Liam did you cover this already and I missed it or can ya?
Last edited by Mezron on 7 October 2020 at 1:16 am UTC
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Quoting: gabberA news about an advert? Everything for stadia I guess...If you don't like it, don't read it. Not a complicated concept. We even let you block tags on your settings if you don't like Stadia - I suggest people use the feature.
3 Likes, Who?
On the good news train: thx to stadia, Baldur's gate got a Vulkan renderer, even in standard version :) So proton will be way easier!
Hope this continues, and hope every new stadia game can at least have Vulkan support day 1. Two bird one stone, kill dx12 and make running on Linux easier.
Hope this continues, and hope every new stadia game can at least have Vulkan support day 1. Two bird one stone, kill dx12 and make running on Linux easier.
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I actually loved the idea @Samsai proposed in the last podcast: if Valve makes a streaming service, then you'll be able to buy your games, own them, and play them whenever and wherever you want, whether it be your PC or through streaming.
This! This is the solution that I want. I know that any game bought through Stadia is yours (unlike Netflix where your show might disappear any day), but your only support is streaming. What if your game is lag-sensitive? What if your internet connection is down? What if you want to mod your game? What if Stadia gets killed by Google like most of the products they created in the past?
I know that Steam isn't perfect and still has DRM on some games, but it's the most Linux-friendly I know and they are actually contributing to the Linux community (SteamOS, Steam Link, Proton, Mesa devs).
This! This is the solution that I want. I know that any game bought through Stadia is yours (unlike Netflix where your show might disappear any day), but your only support is streaming. What if your game is lag-sensitive? What if your internet connection is down? What if you want to mod your game? What if Stadia gets killed by Google like most of the products they created in the past?
I know that Steam isn't perfect and still has DRM on some games, but it's the most Linux-friendly I know and they are actually contributing to the Linux community (SteamOS, Steam Link, Proton, Mesa devs).
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Quoting: JolltI just wish ANY streaming service for games reached South America, I would pay it with a smile, Dollar is always high to buy electronics and most people don't have a good PC to play these games, it would be huge here :(
I thought that MS would launch xCloud here but even they didnt launch their streaming here. They have Azure here and a stronger presence than Google but they didnt.
All the others companies i kinda get why they didnt launched here, is a lot of investment for smaller companies and they prefer to invest in North America and Europe
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Quoting: ShmerlApparently Baldur's Gate 3 is out for Stadia (in-development version). Please let developers know if you want a proper Linux version too
Hahaha. There's no chance in hell Larian will do a Linux version again. They only did so relunctantly for Divinity: Original Sin did it really badly and then went sulking and ignored their promise to port Dragon Commander as well. Since then, they never so much as mentioned or even acknowledged that Linux even exists.
Just see the replies by that one Larian employee in the Linux thread: he answers the question about the engine version, confirms that the Vulkan renderer is done in-house, but utterly ignores anything to do with Linux. That's how Larian behaved for years now. That tells you everything you need to know.
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Quoting: DrMcCoyHahaha. There's no chance in hell Larian will do a Linux version again. They only did so relunctantly for Divinity: Original Sin did it really badly and then went sulking and ignored their promise to port Dragon Commander as well. Since then, they never so much as mentioned or even acknowledged that Linux even exists.
Just see the replies by that one Larian employee in the Linux thread: he answers the question about the engine version, confirms that the Vulkan renderer is done in-house, but utterly ignores anything to do with Linux. That's how Larian behaved for years now. That tells you everything you need to know.
The employee can't comment on their plans that management sets. And what's the issue with them making the Linux version when they already went through all the trouble of making the Stadia one? That's simply dumb.
Last edited by Shmerl on 7 October 2020 at 5:32 pm UTC
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Quoting: GuestSame reason many companies aren't releasing a desktop GNU/Linux version of something already on Stadia.
They don't have the same reason, because they aren't one of those stupid legacy publishers who are into platform politics. They already released for Linux in the past.
What I don't get more, is that they released it for macOS - simply a gaming hostile platform these days. Releasing for macOS and not for Linux is bizarre.
Last edited by Shmerl on 7 October 2020 at 6:45 pm UTC
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OLucasZanella Oct 8, 2020
I fucking hate it that NONE of these streaming services are available in my country, where prices for gaming PCs are actually horrible.
1 Likes, Who?
You can definitely purchase the "Free" pro games without signing up for pro.
Last edited by Liam Dawe on 8 October 2020 at 11:34 am UTC
QuoteAlso, also... what if I like the "free" games? Can I buy and play them as a free member or they exclusive to pro members only? I keep looking over the site and I'm not seeing any information on that. I suppose I'd find out if I "signed up", but I don't want to sign up for a service just to answer questions I have about the service.
Last edited by Liam Dawe on 8 October 2020 at 11:34 am UTC
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