Google Unveils Cloud Gaming Service at GDC 2019
The service tagged Stadia was officially introduced by Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai during his keynote address. He stated the platform will use the company’s global information infrastructure to stream the highest quality games to any and all types of devices.
Phil Harrison, the company’s General Manager joined Pichai on stage during his address and demonstration. He disclosed that Stadia represented Google’s vision for the future of gaming.
He noted that the worlds of playing and watching games were disconnected, fragmented and mutually exclusive – which Stadia sought to merge into a platform perfectly built for the 21st century.
Harrison also revealed that Google will amplify the game streaming service with the support of YouTube and the many creators that had already created game clips on the platform.
During the presentation, Harrison demonstrated how YouTubers watching a game trailer on YouTube could start playing the game at the click of the on-screen button.
The presentation also involved moving gameplay seamlessly from a phone to a tablet, and to a TV screen using Google-powered devices.
Google, at the event, also introduced the audience to a game controller that could play the games on the cloud gaming platform. The Stadia controller – a cross between PS4 and Xbox controllers – could connect to any game in the cloud service through Wi-Fi, totally removing latency.
The controller also comprised of two specific buttons; one of which gives the user direct access to Google Assistant through an in-built microphone, while the other permits gamers to share their gaming experience on YouTube. USB Controllers will also work on the platform from latops and PCs.
Google also confirmed that it had partnered with AMD to build a custom-made GPU for its data centers for which Stadia will greatly leverage. Google claimed the chip will deliver 10.7 teraflops of power.
Stadia is scheduled to launch later in the year and will run on any device with a Chrome browser or Chromecast-enabled TVs.
Google had initially tested Stadia as Project Stream at the late end of last year, permitting Chrome users to stream Assassin Creed: Odyssey before the tests discontinued in January this year.
