Google Stadia Cloud Gaming Service: What You Need to Know

At the GDC 2019 conference this week, Google revealed its foray into the gaming market: a cloud-streaming service called Stadia.

What is it?

The new service, which is scheduled for a full launch later this year, will allow users to stream 4K, 60 frames per second gaming content to a TV, laptop, desktop, tablet or mobile phone, using a gaming controller – the only hardware piece associated with the Stadia.

How powerful is it?

In terms of hardware, Google’s Stadia utilises 10.7 GPU teraflops using a single GPU; and while that not mean much to the average gamer, for reference sake, the PS4 Pro runs at 4.2 GPU teraflops and the Xbox One X runs at 6.0 GPU Teraflops, so that’ll give you an idea of how powerful Google’s infrastructure is.

This will also give developers nearly unlimited resources to create the games they’ve always dreamed of. Stadia provides a powerful hardware stack combining server class GPU, CPU, memory and storage, and with the power of Google’s data centre infrastructure, the capabilities will continually evolve as the developers’ ambitions do too.

The Stadia controller

As for the controller itself, Google took into account feedback from gamers to build what they believe is the best layout, along with including a button for instant capture, Google Assistant options, and a built-in microphone.

What games will it be able to play?

There aren’t any specific details on what games will be available, but Google did showcase Doom and Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey running on the service.

Google also claimed it is aiming to make games playable on Stadia fully cross-platform compatible. Phil Harrison, VP of Google, said during the keynote “As a new-generation game platform, Stadia will of course embrace full cross-platform play. Developers will have the ability to enable cross-platform multiplayer for all players and even bring game saves and progression across as well.”

How much will it cost?

No details on pricing were mentioned, but it’s likely that Google will offer various price options for the service.

What do you think of Google Stadia? Is it a service you’d see yourself using? Let us know by tweeting @MenStuffZA, posting on our Facebook page, or commenting below.