Google Stadia without secrets. We know dates, prices, games and availability.
Some time ago, the American giant surprised everyone with the announcement of its new streaming service, drawing a vision of streaming games in 4K resolution and 60 frames per second to each device.
We learned then that we are dealing with a breakthrough solution that will not require buying any equipment or regularly updating owned, because everything will do for us huge Google centers, and we will be able to enjoy the game on its existing laptop, computer, tablet, TV or phone. We also got to know the first studios that create games on Stadia, like id Software and dedicated to the Google Stadia Controller service, which apart from classic features also offers a microphone, a built-in Google Assistant and a button to quickly share the game on YouTube.
It can not be concealed, however, that the conference revealing Google Stadia left many questions, for example regarding price, games at the start, accessibility or internet connection, because you can not hide that streaming high definition games is very demanding. Today we have learned the answers to most of them, and we start with the service debut in November this year and in the US in Pro version will cost 9.99 USD per month (in Europe usually 9.99 EUR), guaranteeing access to the catalog of games in resolutions up to 4K and 60 frames per second (only if our link allows, see the graphic below), with HDR and 5.1 surround sound.
When it comes to starting titles, Google has already announced the first wave, and these are Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, Doom Eternal, Doom (2016), Rage 2, The Elder Scrolls Online, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, Destiny 2, Get Packed, Grid, Metro Exodus, Thumper, Farming Simulator 19, Baldur's Gate 3, Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid, Football Manager, Samurai Shodown, Final Fantasy XV, Tomb Raider Definitive Edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, NBA 2K, Borderlands 3, Gylt, Mortal Kombat 11, Darksiders Genesis, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Just Dance, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Tom Clancy's The Division 2, Trials Rising and The Crew 2.
What is worth emphasizing, however, will not be Netflix for games, because you will have to pay extra for specific titles. Google Stadia works in exactly the same way as subscriptions from Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo, that is, mentioned 9.99 USD or EUR we pay for the mere fact of using the service or network game, and the games we have to buy first. Google also announced that next year will also launch Stadia Base, which will offer games in 1080p and 60 frames per second with stereo sound.
Unfortunately, there are also bad news, because the initial availability list includes the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland - unfortunately our country is not here. As for the hardware necessary to use the Stadia service, we will need, for example, a Pixel 3 / 3a smartphone (with time we expect to extend the list of compatible devices), Chrome browser on the computer or Chromecast Ultra if we want to play on TV. This can be purchased for example in the Founder's Edition set, priced at USD 130, which also contains 3 months of service in the Pro version, Buddy Pass for our friend, Destiny 2 game, controller in exclusive Night Blue color, Stadia Controller Power adapter and power supply Google Chromecast Ultra Power with an Ethernet port. In the face of all this information, does Google Stadia still seem so attractive? Our enthusiasm has dropped slightly, but we will certainly give the service a chance.