What is Google Stadia?
Google Stadia is Google’s cloud gaming platform which enables you to play games instantly on compatible devices. Stream games directly to your screen without the need of downloading. Video Games are ready wherever you have stable internet connection, without waiting for downloads, installs, and updates.
In simple words, Google Stadia is a game-streaming service that works on almost all the screens you own. Let it be you T.V, your phone, your PC, or your tablet, you will be able to enjoy your favorite AAA games on all of them.
Supported Platforms for Google Stadia:
Google Stadia supports Google’s Chrome browser on PC and tablets, including those running on Chrome OS. It also works seamlessly with the Chromecast Ultra when connected with a Television.
Google Stadia only supports a limited number of smartphones, such as the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 4. As of today, Google has expanded the list of the supported smartphones for their cloud gaming service.
Google Stadia is based on Linux and uses Vulkan API, which enables it to support many popular game engines, including Unity and Unreal.
Try Google Stadia App on your Android Smartphone: Google Stadia Android App
When it comes to the iOS based devices, Stadia works by using mobile web browser solution, that means the user has to open the Stadia website on their Safari browser in-order to play the games.
Google is also bringing the support to the Android TV based devices in 2021, along with the LG Smart TVs.
Hardware Specifications
As Stadia is a cloud-based gaming service, all the heavy lifting is done by a remote PC. That means the experience remains the same across all the supported devices, whether it be a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Google has stated that Stadia is powered by a custom AMD 2.7Ghz x-68 based processor, 16 GB of RAM, supporting up to 484 GB/s transfer speeds, and a powerful 10.7 teraflops GPU.
Features and System Requirements
Google Stadia’s hardware can be easily upgraded, as all the hardware upgrades are done remotely to the servers.
The quality of the gameplay depends on two main factors – your internet speeds and the device you are using. Chromecast Ultra supports gameplay up-to 4K with the support of HDR and 5.1 surround sound.
Of course, you’ll be needing a television, sound system, and fast internet speeds to take full advantage of these features.
Google Stadia Internet Requirements:
- 10Mbps – 720p HD with stereo sound
- 20Mbps – 1080p HD with 5.1 surround sound
- 35Mbps – 4K with HDR and surround sound
Note: At the moment, 4K is only supported on the Chromecast Ultra.
Google is also planning to offer 8K gaming support in the future.
Google Assistant Support
Google Assistant can help you when you’re stuck. It also possible to add an overlay to the screen, which can help you walkthrough the levels. Assistant supports for Stadia is only enabled on the Chromecast-based TVs.
State Share
State Share is a feature that let’s you create a link to the game you are playing, which you share with your friends and they will be able to play the very moment that you wanted them to play or show off.
Family Share
With this feature, you will be able to share your purchased games with the members of your Google Family Group. The members need to have a Stadia account in-order to take advantage of this feature. However, only one member can play the shared game at a time.
Family Share also works with the games that you get with the Stadia Pro subscription. It also has parental controls that will restrict young users to play certain games.
Achievements
Just like every other gaming platforms, Google Stadia will record and shows you your in-game achievements. Not all games support this feature yet.
Other Features
Google has recently added the support for messaging for the communicating with other Stadia users. This also has the support for smart replies, which makes it easy and quick to respond to the messages while using controllers.
Google Stadia also let’s you to quickly share your screenshots and clips from the game that you are playing. Video clips can also include your voice overs while you are playing the game.
The Stadia Controller
The Stadia Controller directly connects with the Google’s Severs with the help of Wi-Fi to offer a lag-free experience. Stadia controller brings built-in support for the Google Assistant and a Capture button for saving and uploading the gameplay to YouTube.
The Stadia Controller is priced at 69$. (NICE)
Game Library on Stadia
Google Stadia now supports a huge library of games, visit this link to get the full list of the supported games : Google Stadia Games
How Much Does Google Stadia costs?
Google is now allowing users to play Stadia Games by directly purchasing the titles from the Stadia Store.
Google Stadia Pro Membership offers more features like 4K resolution and a selection of free games. This membership costs $9.9 in the United States. This price may vary from country to country.
Google Stadia Pro Membership enables additional discounts on game purchases and few other features which are not available in the free tier.
You can also try Stadia Pro for one month in a free trial. After the trial expires, the users can continue using the service for a price of $9.9 a month.
Signup For A Free Trial: Stadia Pro Trial
That is everything you need to know to get started with Google Stadia. Still have doubts? Let us know in the comments below and we will try our best to answer your queries.
