What’s the next big thing when it comes to gaming? A question I have often asked myself with not a real answer to give. Better graphics? Faster load times? Better ways to play the game? Playing when you want and how you want? Well, the last answer might be closer than we think. Google came up with “Stadia”, a new way of playing games. Stream your favorite games when and where you want! Stadia Connect gave us a glimpse of what’s to come!
Stadia’s main focus is the accessibility to all players. It looks like Stadia is trying to be the most democratic gaming system in the current market, as it allows players from all over the world to game with the device at their disposal: TV, Desktop, Laptop, Tablet, and even Mobile devices. Thanks to its server-based streaming system, a high-end gaming machine isn’t even necessary anymore. This new way of gaming doesn’t need you to download the game, install or even patch it before you can actually jump into it. This seems like the real deal, however…
… you still need the best internet connection to get the most high-end gaming quality and that may be one of the greatest obstacles a lot of players should overcome.
As a customer, you don’t need a lot to use Stadia as your next gaming device: a Stadia controller, a good internet connection and a chrome cast/chrome browser. Seems reasonable, right? Still, the best internet connection may still be a hackle for some players because not every country or every customer has the best internet connectivity due to geographical or even financial reasons. It seems like the best next thing won’t be for everyone. Starting from 30 MB/s, you’ll be able to play any game on 4K resolution, get 5.1 surround sound, HDR and 60FPS. If you have the lowest internet capabilities, like say 10MB/s, you’ll be able to play any game with 720P, 60FPS and stereo sound which still is impressive. Just subscribe to Stadia for around 10 bucks a month and you’re off! Play any game you want, when and where. But there’s a catch here. This subscription model won’t give you access to all available games for free. Unlike Netflix, the Stadia subscription will give you some free monthly games but the big hitters still need to be bought separately, just like you would do on any other gaming console. At this point it’s not really clear which games will be offered for free with the Stadio Pro subscription and which games you still need to buy. If you don’t like the subscription model, don’t sweat it! Stadia will also allow you to buy any game through Stadia and then you will be able to play that game anytime you want.
Some launch titles that will be available: Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, Baldur’s Gate 3, Gylt, Get Packed, Division 2 and Destiny 2. A lot more games will be made available but these games were the highlighted ones from the presentation. We’ll keep you posted on any further updates. Some games will even have “new” features that only Stadia can provide. For example: If you play Ghost Recon, you’ll be able to get different in-game streaming windows that allow you to see your co-op friends actions.
There’s also the opportunity to buy different Stadia packs that’ll get you started: Stadia Base, Stadia Pro, and Stadia Founder’s Pack. Stadia Base is the lowest you can go: buy yourself a 69 dollar Stadia controller alongside the game you want to play and that’s it. Stadia Pro is like a Netflix subscription with extra premium games to download separately for extra money. You pay 10 bucks a month to gain access to the best quality a man/woman can get alongside an online library of games to choose from. Last but not least, there’s still the Founder’s Pack. For only 130 dollars you’ll receive the following items: a chrome cast, Night Blue Stadia Controller, a 3 month subscription pack for yourself and a friend, be among the first to choose your Stadia name and the complete Destiny 2 game package ( Destiny 2 + all DLC’s + the new DLC and Annual Pass).
My Opinion:
I love the concept and I’m looking forward to see how it all will play out. Playing your favorite game anytime and anywhere has already been achieved by so many handhelds. However, playing your favorite game on any device that’s connected to the internet… this is just a step forward in the right direction. Even though I would love to get my hands on one of these Founder’s Packs, I’m still a little bit skeptic. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not doubting the technical side of things but the connectivity feature via the internet. Internet is something common and you can almost say “Everyone has some kind of access to the internet.” However, this is only partially true. Even though it’s common for us to think that everyone has access to the internet, some countries are just seeing the tip of the iceberg. The internet is something no one can go around but the connectivity strength is a problem that still occurs even in the countries where the internet has already surpassed “basic” status.
Another thing I also want to point out is the fact that not everyone is pushed to get a subscription. Ten dollars for a bunch of games, that’s not a bad deal. However, I don’t think companies will profit from this system that much and that’s where the idea of “buy the games you want to play” rises to the surface. I have a feeling most triple-A games will still demand the Stadia users to by them and thus won’t be included in the 10 dollar subscription. The subscription and buy-to-play feature both have its advantages and disadvantages. It’s up to you to pick the right one. I’m convinced Stadia is the next big thing but it does feel a bit too “futuristic” to be real. I feel like they’ll have to take baby steps to create the ultimate streaming software. They’re in the first chapter of their existence, just like HTC Vive once was. Now, the HTC Vive is a heck of a system but it also has been created in the sense of “trial and error”. Time will tell what the future of Stadia will hold. What do you guys think? Is it a bit too futuristic or is the time now?
