Google Stadia is a cloud-based gaming platform that launched in 2019 and allowed people to play a selection of uniquely crafted video games. Stadia games can be launched instantly in a web browser without the need to download any software or apps, and they can be accessed using any modern smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, providing that the device has a stable internet connection.
Ultimately, Google Stadia failed, which was a surprise to very few gamers, who said that there was simply no need for Stadia to exist. Although Stadia had games that couldn’t be found anywhere else, they could not compete with other hit titles from the more established game development studios, such as Electronic Arts, Microsoft, SONY, Nintendo, Epic Games, and Activision Blizzard.
When will Google Stadia shut down for good?
According to reports, the Google Stadia cloud gaming service will officially shut down for good on January 18th, 2023. It has also been suggested that anyone who purchased items from the website, such as the games and the add-ons, will be fully reimbursed. People who work in this department at Google will not lose their jobs. Instead, they will be moved to another Google department.
How does Google Stadia work?
The service works in much the same way you can stream music, movies, television shows, or games from any other movie streaming site or dedicated gaming site. Players can visit the official Google Stadia website directly from their web browser, click on a game they like the look of, and then wait for it to load in just a few seconds.
How many games are there at Google Stadia?
There are more than 150 games available at Google Stadia (last counted just three months before it officially shuts down for good), and, on average, new games are released at least a few times per month.
How much does it cost for Google Stadia?
You could trial full versions of the games for free for 30, 60, or 90 minutes (depending on the game), and if you paid for the service, the monthly rolling subscription fee was charged at £8.99 (or equivalent currency value). The paid-for subscription service is otherwise known as Stadia Pro. After you pay the monthly subscription fee, you will have access to every Stadia game for the entire month. There is also an option that allows you to buy individual games, which is ideal for gamers who prefer not to pay a monthly subscription.
What games are available on Stadia?
Some of the most popular games online currently being played at Google Stadia include:
- Hot Wheels Unleashed (Game of the Year edition)
- Gravatar: Recharged
- Black Widow: Recharged
- Asteroids: Recharged
- Breakout: Recharged
- Tri6: Infinite
Other notable mentions included Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader, Yars: Recharged, Stranger Brigade, Outbreak: Shades of Horror, Calico, Neighbours Back from Hell, Time on Frog Island, and Phoenix Point: Complete Edition, to name just a few.
Why did Google Stadia fail?
The Google Stadia cloud gaming service failed because it simply couldn’t compete with the other major players. It lacked big-name, high-end, graphically demanding games, and it was destined to fail from the beginning. It was only a matter of time before the project could no longer sustain itself.
After Google Stadia closes for good, which other top PC games will be worth playing?
Some of the other most popular PC games that are worth keeping an eye out for include hit titles, such as Overwatch 2, Elden Ring, Stray, Total War: Warhammer III, and Immortality. Other notable mentions include Dying Light 2 – Stay Human, Tunic, MultiVersus, Norco, Ghostwire: Tokyo, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, and OlliOlli World. These games can be accessed from any modern desktop or laptop computer, and some of them are free to play. Others come as part of a monthly subscription at certain sites, and you can also purchase the games individually.
