Google has lifted the veils on its ambitious new project Stadia, the cloud-based game streaming service which is all set to make its debut in November. Google said the service will initially be launched in 14 countries with more regions to come under its fold at a later stage. The games can be played on PCs via the Chrome browser, Pixel 3 smartphones or on TVs using the Chromecast Ultra.
The pricing structure and plans have been announced too, which includes a Founder’s Edition that asks for a $10 monthly fee on top of a one-time fee of $130 to be paid upfront. For that amount, users will be getting a Stadia controller, A Chromecast Ultra casting device along with three months of Stadia Pro service. Then there is a three-month buddy pass for the taking too, one that can be presented to a friend.
The Stadia Pro users again will have to pay the monthly subscription of post the initial three month period to continue availing the service.
This will allow for streaming of games at up to a max 4K HDR resolution at 60 fps and 5.1 surround sound.
Pre-orders for Founder’s Edition are currently being accepted at the Play Store. Also, it’s going to be available in limited quantities and is the only way one can move on to the Stadia Pro tier. The free Stadia Base service will be launched next year with subscribers entitled to game streaming at 1080p resolution and 60fps along with the stereo sound.
Unfortunately, contrary to what many might have initially presumed, the Stadia isn’t a Netflix like streaming service that will let users play an unlimited title of games for a fixed monthly fee. Instead, users will have to buy the titles with prices too being the same as on say Xbox Live, PlayStation Network or Steam.
There is some consolation though as Google said there is Destiny 2 that will be available to the subscribers to play free of cost through the freebie is limited to a single title as of now. There will be more titles added to the list but at a later date. Google also said a free version will be introduced in 2020, as will be a version that will require the monthly subscription sans the upfront amount.
Google is also leaving it to the publishers to reveal the pricing for each game though there is going to be regular discounts on offer. As of now, there are 31 titles on offer from 21 publishers with Google claiming there is going to be more added to the list on a regular basis.
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Among the titles on offer right away include Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, DOOM Eternal, DOOM 2016, Rage 2, The Elder Scrolls Online, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, Destiny 2 and so on.
