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Wednesday, November 20, 2019, 11:09
Google enters gaming with streaming service Stadia
By Reuters
Wednesday, November 20, 2019, 11:09 By Reuters

This undated photo provided by Google shows a controller that is part of a video-game streaming platform called Stadia that Google is launching on Nov 19, 2019. The service is the first console-free gaming system. But experts say it has some growing to do before it becomes a true contender in the gaming arena. The platform will store a game-playing session in the cloud and lets players jump across devices operating on Google’s Chrome browser and Chrome OS, such as Pixel phones and Chromebooks. (PHOTO / GOOGLE VIA AP)

Alphabet Inc’s Google on Tuesday launched Stadia, a cloud-based service that allows users to stream games including “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey” and “NBA 2K20” on Chrome web browser.

The service will start with a slate of 22 games and stream 4K videos at 60 frames per second, which can also be accessed through Google’s Chromecast and Pixel devices.

Google is offering the 4K version as part of its premium service, Stadia Pro, priced at US$9.99 per month. The free high-definition version is expected to roll out next year.

We have over 450 games in development right now that will be coming out in 2020 and beyond

Phil Harrison, Google Vice-President and General Manager

“We have over 450 games in development right now that will be coming out in 2020 and beyond,” Google Vice President and General Manager Phil Harrison told Reuters.

Stadia will need at least 10Mbps internet speed for the base 720p resolution and 35Mbps to stream games in 4K. Early reviews of Stadia have complained of latency, the time delay between pressing a button and getting the reaction on screen.

The success of cloud gaming depends heavily on the underlying network and how much controlled-latency traffic it can support during periods of peak demand, said Steve Alexander, chief technology officer at Ciena Corp, a telecom equipment maker.

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Analysts are also pinning the success of Stadia on the content it offers as most of the games on the platform are already available on consoles.

“Stadia will live or die by its content,” said George Jijiashvili, senior analyst at Ovum, a brokerage firm, adding that underwhelming number of launch titles was making it difficult to generate real excitement.

Stadia will compete with Microsoft Corp’s Project xCloud, which is likely to be launched next year, and Nvidia’s GeForce Now that is out on public beta.

Sony also offers a game streaming platform PlayStation Now at US$9.99 per month that includes over 800 games across its console titles.

READ MORE: Australian regulator files privacy suit against Google

Google is billing Stadia for non-gamers, but it will need to work out some kinks to make it more attractive than a console or a personal computer, Chaim Seigel, an analyst with Elazar Advisors, said.

The service is currently available in 14 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Norway, France and Germany.

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