Google announced Stadia – its game-streaming platform back in March. The idea behind Stadia is to allow users to play console-level games without owning a console. All the processing power required for the game is handled by Google’s data centers. Users will be able to play these games on their TV, desktop, laptop, and smartphones.
Today, there was a second event where Google announced more details including pricing, list of games and the countries the service will be rolling out to first.
Requirements
Stadia will be accessible on your TV (Chromecast Ultra required), desktop, laptop, and smartphones (starting with Pixel 3/3XL and Pixel 3a/3a XL).
You will be able to use your existing controllers including your keyboard, mouse, PS4 and XBOX controllers. There is also a Stadia Controller that costs $69 which has a Google Assistant button and a capture button for taking screenshots and saving video clips from your gameplay.
Stadia will be able to stream at up to 4K 60fps with 5.1 surround sound audio. However, not everyone has got a superfast internet connection. The recommended minimum is 10Mbps which will allow you to stream at 720p 60fps with stereo audio. You will also be able to steam at 1080p 60fps with 5.1 Surround Sound if your connection reaches 20Mbps.
Games Coming to Stadia
These are the games coming to Stadia. Some of them are confirmed to be available at launch (we are sure of the first eight):
- Ghost Recon: Breakpoint
- The Division 2
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Just Dance 2020
- Trials Rising
- The Crew 2
- Tomb Raider Trilogy
- Final Fantasy
- DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2
- DOOM Eternal
- Wolfenstein: Youngblood
- Destiny 2
- Power Rangers: Battle For The Grid
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Metro Exodus
- Thumper
- GRID
- SAMURAI SHODOWN
- Football Manager 2020
- Get Packed
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- NBA 2K
- Borderlands 3
- Farming Simulator 19
- Mortal Kombat 11
- Rage 2
- FINAL FANTASY XV
- Gylt
- Darksiders Genesis
Launch Date and Price
Stadia launches in November in 14 countries. These countries are Belgium, Finland, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the USA (excluding Hawaii and Guam).
The service will roll out to more countries in 2020 and beyond.
Stadia will have a free mode called Stadia Base that will be available next year. Users will be able to buy games whenever they want but won’t get free games or discounts on select purchases. Free users are also limited to stream at 1080p and 60fps.
There is also Stadia Pro which cost $9.99/month. Users will be able to buy games whenever they want, get discounts on select purchases and get free games regularly such as Destiny 2: The Collection. They will be able to stream in 4K 60FPS and get 5.1 surround sound.
If you cancel your Stadia Pro subscription, you will still be able to play already purchased games on Stadia Base.
Stadia is selling a Founder’s Edition bundle that is priced at $129. It includes the exclusive Night Blue Stadia Controller, a Chromecast Ultra, 3 months of Stadia Pro subscription, exclusive Stadia Name, a buddy pass, and access to Destiny 2: The Collection.
