Google has announced more details about the cloud gaming service Stadia announced two months ago. Users of the service can choose the “Stadia Pro” subscription, which offers unlimited access and streaming at 4K resolution and 60 FPS as well as HDR and 5.1 surround sound for $10 per month. According to Google, an Internet connection with 35 Mbit/s is necessary to be able to use the maximum graphic quality. At low download rates, Google automatically adjusts the resolution to provide a smooth gaming experience, with a minimum of 10 Mbps for 720p with stereo sound.
Unfortunately, Google excludes some titles from the Stadia Pro subscription, so they have to be paid separately. Alternatively, occasional users can also buy individual titles and thus do without a subscription. However, the resolution is limited to Full-HD. Only Stadia Pro users get the maximum graphic enjoyment.
The service is scheduled to start in November 2019 in 14 countries, with one leak naming the 14.11. as the date. Germany is also one of the starting countries. 2020 is to be followed by a free version offering a maximum of 1080p and stereo sound.
Use with numerous devices
Google Stadia can be used on virtually any device that supports the Chrome browser, including computers, laptops and tablets. Initially, Google Stadia can only be used mobile with Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a, but other smartphones from other manufacturers will follow. The cloud gaming service can also be used with TVs via Chromecast Ultra. Google also offers a Stadia Founders Edition consisting of Chromecast Ultra, Stadia Controller and Stadia Pro for three months for 129 Euro.
The following games are available for the release of the service:
- RAGON 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
- The Crew 2
- The Division 2
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Ghost Recon Breakpoint
- Trials Rising
- NBA 2K
- Borderlands 3
- Farming Simulator 19
- Mortal Kombat 11
- Rage 2
- FINAL FANTASY XV
- Gylt
- Tomb Raider Trilogy
- Darkiders Genesis
- Just Dance
As a special highlight Baldur’s Gate 3 was announced, which will also be available on Stadia directly with the release.
The infrastructure of the Stadia service is based on the same data centers that are used for the Group’s search engine. Due to the large size of the server network, low latencies can be expected compared to competing services. Google also uses the community already built up by YouTube, as the gaming service is closely linked to the video portal. For example, YouTuber can share videos recorded in Stadia or invite fans to participate in multiplayer titles via crowd play.
