Cloud Over Console — the Google Stadia is the Future of Gaming
Forget the PS5 or the Xbox X, the Google Stadia might just be the future of next-gen video-gaming.
All you need to know is —it streams video games from the cloud and delivers console-like graphics at the cost of your WiFi speed. Erm, what? Read on…
While the world hypes upon PlayStations, Xboxes and Nintendos, Google finds the right ammunition to enter the gaming arena.
It’s armed to challenge the big fish with its ‘console-less gaming platform, mega-cloud servers and bougie tech.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not trying to suppress other platforms and consoles out there, it’s just trying to have fun at the video game party.
And I’m glad someone like Google picked up the pace and beat other opponents in the video-game-streaming space. Especially when we’re at peak streaming wars. Look at Netflix, Amazon and Disney…
So what exactly is the Google Stadia?
It’s a cloud based video game service developed and operated by Google. All you need is a screen and a fast internet connection. So instead of downloading, installing and then playing your game, you’re basically just connecting to Google Chrome, hitting the play button and streaming any game you like, when you like and how you like.
The Google Stadia is a world where the internet and cloud-servers mate with each other to bring you console-like gameplay with no extra hardware. A world catering to all kinds of people. The pro-gamers, the in-betweeners and rookie gamers. It’s for everyone.
(An internet connection speed of 10 megabits per second (Mbps) or greater is the minimum recommended to use Stadia. To play in 4K resolution, you’ll need an active Stadia Pro subscription and a network speed of 35 Mbps or greater.)
What does it cost? Nothing really…
Stadia Pro: $10/month (first month free)
Stadia Controller: $69 on the Google Store (cheaper from eBay and Fb Marketplace)
Stadia Premier Bundle: $100 (Chromecast Ultra & Stadia Controller
*US prices
Streaming is the new cool…
Google Stadia’s bread-and-butter comes from the optional subscription service, also known as Stadia Pro. It’s advertised to be capable of streaming 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with support for high-dynamic-range.
To stream a game, you need Chrome on your laptop, smartphone or tablet. And if you’ve got a TV/monitor with an HDMI slot, hook a Chromecast and you’re ready to play with any controller/keyboard.
Currently, the Stadia has Super Bomber-man R Online and Destiny 2 which are currently free to play. So if you think you’ve got a good internet speed, I suggest you sign up and try those games for free. If it streams well and you’re having fun, you’re in. Although in normal circumstances, you’re required to buy games on Stadia’s app.
And if you’ve got Stadia Pro you’re eligible to claim a roster of free games every month, flagship games at discounted and an option to stream on 4K HDR at 60fps.
Like I said, no extra hardware, no heavy software, no speedy graphic cards or no TBs of storage space.
No fluff.
Just plug and play.
Who are its competition?
The Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Now, Nvidia GeForce Now and Amazon Luna (coming this year) are currently the only players in the game who are offering a cloud based gaming service.
And a random prediction, who knows, even Twitch might bring along its streaming ammo and introduce something totally different. Everyone wants a piece of that chocolate sponge cake!
What games are on the Google Stadia?
Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman 3, Assassins Creed Valhalla, Red Dead Redemption 2, Watch Dogs 2, Destiny 2, PUBG, F1 2020, NBA 2K21, Far Cry 5, Tomb Raider, GRID, Doom Eternal and a lot more arriving later this year. (Hopefully FIFA 21 arrives soon — I can’t wait!)
There are also a bunch of indie and classic games available to play too.
All these games work smooth and steady while streaming on a good connection. There might be a few drops in quality and gameplay, but that’s totally okay. All consoles and gaming rigs eventually lag too, right?
Click here to see all the games on Stadia
How do I play?
Unlike other consoles, the Google Stadia is built to be played without a console!
You can connect a PlayStation DualShock 4, Xbox One Wireless or any other Bluetooth enabled gamepad. It even works on a keyboard and mouse too.
On top of that, it’s also got a controller of its own. The Stadia controller feels like it’s a mix of a DualShock 4’s body and the Xbox One button layout, but it’s stands out because of its fantastic haptic feedback. It’s even got a dedicated screenshot and Google Assistant button in case you need some help from YouTube or Google.
Why I chose the Google Stadia? Less Is More
- I was in the market to buy a console, but after considering my options, I didn’t find anything that stood out like the Stadia. Not even other cloud-gaming services.
- The PS5, Xbox and Nintendo Switch were at least going to cost over $500 with games and an extra controller. Which is way pricier than Stadia’s price point, even after plenty of games and two controllers.
- The Stadia doesn’t take up any tangible or intangible space on your gaming device or either under your TV cabinet.
- I have a great Internet upload/download speed to stream at 1080p consistently.
- It costs $10 bucks /month to play studio-made games with additional perks like discounts, availability, stream quality and sharing.
- If I choose to upgrade to 4K telly in the future, all I need to worry about is faster internet.
- If I chose to buy a console in the future, I need not worry about replacing the Stadia. I just need to stop paying the monthly service— my Chromecast and controller are both multi-functional in other ways.
- Stadia’s approach to video gaming seemed intriguing and I’m excited to see where it takes us 3–5 years down the line. Will this become a normal thing?
Someone hooked up Stadia in their Tesla Model Y! Gaming while your AI car drives you home? I’m sold.
Problems I Faced with Stadia…
Final thoughts…
I hope the Stadia continues to grow at full speed and brings us more awesomeness in the months to come. It’s a very 2021-kind-of-approach and I like it.
Once bigger gaming-titles come out, I’m sure it’s gonna blow up soon! All this might need some more time to convince the main mass. But I’m sure the competition is going to pivot to this trend and make sure we’re hooked to screen. And if virtual reality plays becomes a common thing, then we’re never going to leave our house.
Oh wait, aren’t we already at home?
Already considering the Stadia?
Get a FREEEE extra month of Stadia Pro. Help me, help you!
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