Google announces all new Netflix-like video game streaming service

Moving a step forward from phones, tablets and search engines, Google has now launched its very own gaming streaming to make digital, on-demand video games reliable and viable, which does not even require a gaming console.

During the Game Developers Conference held on Tuesday, Google announced its new game streaming service called Stadia, aiming to make the service bring the industry’s ‘Netflix for games’ promises to life, reported Engadget.

The service will allow gamers to play any game on any connected device, be it iPhone, smart TV or a Mac. Stadia, which is streamed directly to the Chrome browser, is capable to stream games in 4K, 60FPS and HDR color and launch, but will soon also support up to 8K and 120FPS.

Apart from that, Google’s gaming service will also allow developers to sell their games in new ways such as directly via YouTube and Twitch live streams. For instance, if one loads up a trailer for the game Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey on YouTube and at the end click the ‘Play’ button, the game will load simply within five seconds in the Chrome browser, ready to be played.

Video Courtesy: Stadia/YouTube

Stadia’s ‘Crowd Play’ feature also allows people watching a YouTube livestream to actually join the streamer’s game. Another feature called State Share will also let people send links to particular sections of a game and their friends can simply play from their own Chrome browser. There are numerous other features packed in the service too all aimed to make game performance and experience better than ever.

Moreover, Stadia is able to support any typical gamepads that users already use on their laptop or PC. However, one can also buy a separate device, the official Wi-Fi enabled Stadia controller, which functions similarly to the Xbox One of PS4 controller, as per Digital Trends.

But, the controller also has a specific ‘Capture’ button that will let gamer instantly start streaming their gameplay to YouTube. Another ‘Google Assistant’ button will let the user talk to Google Assistant through the built-in microphone and get tips if they are stuck on a particular section of a game.

Big game-engine firms like Unreal and Unity and studios such as Doom creator id Software have also partnered with Google on Stadia. Though a specific launch date or pricing is not yet known, Stadia will be available this year in the US, UK, Europe and Canada for now.