Online Game Streaming Service - STADIA™

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***UPDATE***

 

On September 29, 2022 Google announced that their consumer gaming service, Stadia, has not gained the traction with users that was expected and have med the decision to begin winding down the Stadia streaming service. Google stated that they will be refunding purchases made through both the Google and Stadia store. Access will be available until January 18, 2023. They expect all refunds to be completed by mid-January 2023.

To read the full message, please click here

 

Game streaming, otherwise known as cloud gaming, allows you to stream games directly to your gaming platform, personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. Read our article about ;online game streaming here.

The games streaming services we will discuss in this series are Stadia, Sony's PlayStation Now, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming. We know that there are a lot more, but we want to focus on some of the more popular game streaming services.

In this article, we will be discussing Stadia.

 

What is Stadia?

Stadia, developed and operated by Google, is a game streaming service capable of streaming 4K video games with high dynamic range (HDR) through Google’s many data centers.

Google states that Stadia subverts long-established assumptions about what's possible in online gaming. It allows users to instantly play anywhere and everywhere that they have Wi-Fi or Ethernet access and a Google Stadia account.

Stadia is player-friendly, allowing gamers to play on command, delivering a high-quality cloud-based gaming experience without the need to wait for another game update. Starting Stadia puts users in the game, allowing users to tag friends, play together across laptops, desktops, compatible smartphones, tablets and TVs enabled with Chromecast Ultra.;

 

What Does Stadia Cost?

One major advantage to playing Stadia is that it does not require the purchase of expensive gaming hardware but still delivers top-quality games across many devices.

<p>Stadia™ requires you to purchase games from its store to stream them. The base service is free, but the Pro tier version offered by Google requires a monthly subscription of$9.99 per month after a one-month free trial. A Stadia Pro™ subscription allows subscribers to stream games in 4K resolution, 5.1 surround sound, and provides a collection of free games users have access to while subscribed.

 

 

Stadia Controllers and Accessories

There are not many accessories needed to use Stadia, most gamers already own at least one of the compatible controllers, including ones from other consoles like Dualshock 4, Xbox One, and Switch Pro. Additionally, smartphones can be used as controllers when playing Stadia on TV.

Stadia gamers that want to have the best cloud-gaming experience and make their gaming experience seamless should make sure they have the best Stadia gaming accessories available. The list provides information about controllers, headphones, phone grips and more.

Do keep in mind that the best controller for Stadia game playing is said to be Google's own controller. All reviews state that it is very comfortable to grip while playing extended sessions, offers two "tricks" specific to Stadia (Share and Google Assistant), and comes in three colors.

 

What games can I play on Stadia™?

Stadia has a group of online games that continues to expand with such games as Cyberpunk 2077, a variety of Rainbow Six and Assassins' Creed games and many more games. As a Stadia Pro member, the games change from month to month, but if you claim a game you get to keep it in your game library as long as your subscription is active. However, if you do not want to pay the $9.99 monthly subscription fee, each game you wish to play on Stadia needs to be purchased individually to keep it.

In addition to Stadia Pro, Google also supports game subscription services such as Ubisoft+, giving you access to even more games and there are plans for EA Play to also get accepted for play on Stadia.

 

What are the Internet requirements for Stadia™?

As an entirely Internet-based gaming experience, Stadia needs a good and reliable Internet connection to play and experience the best gameplay. The better your connection and the faster your speed, the better your gaming experience. You can use this speed test link to check your Internet will be up to the task.

Google recommends that you have a minimum speed of 10 Mbps, enabling you to play in 720p at 60 FPS with stereo audio. A speed of 20 Mbps, allows things to be amped up to 1080p, HDR, and 5.1 surround sound. If your TV supports an HDMI eARC connection, surround sound is an option so long as it's connected properly to the audio/video receiver.

For the best possible Stadia gameplay, a connection of at least 35 Mbps is best since it allows for4K gaming support. The downside is that 4K gaming can use up to 20 GB per hour and 1080p gaming can run you close to 13 GB per hour. Using Stadia on a regular/daily basis, it may be easier to purchase an Internet plan that will support all of your 4K gaming needs, such as Optimum’s 1 GB plan.

This is the first in a series of articles about online game streaming services, we hope that you were able to find some useful information about Stadia and the services it offers. Optimum will be running a series of articles on cloud gaming in the coming weeks, so come back often for the latest content.

 

Stadia, the Stadia beacon, and related marks and logos are trademarks of Google LLC.

 

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