The future of cloud gaming has been pushed a step closer to realization with the development of services such as the Google’s Stadia and Microsoft’s xCloud. In the 2019 Game Developers Conference, manufacturers were left to come up with systems to push their games to new platforms with the advent of cloud-based gaming. The Google’s Stadia is in its final development phase and is set to go live later this year. The Stadia boast of impressive capabilities some of which were showcased during the 2019 GDC conference. However, they were keen not to divulge details on several questions posed during the forum.
Unanswered Data Question
Gamers spend hours on a game. The result is that they consume large amounts of data. The Google’s Stadia requires a fast connection to enable playing games at FHD resolution. The speed necessary to achieve optimum service from the Stadia is 25 Mbps. However, while attaining higher speeds is possible, it translates to higher data charges. During the conference, Google left the question of how they were going to cope with the data caps unanswered.
Mobile Network Stability
Google has it that the Stadia provides a seamless transition between PC and mobile gaming. As such, one can easily play a game on the PC and continue on the phone courtesy of the Stadia. It is one excellent feature to have as it allows gamers to keep playing while on the move. However, with the requirement in data, getting a stable and fast internet connection during a commute is almost impossible. The demonstration done by Google was carried out in a controlled environment. Real world demonstrations were not conducted leaving its practicality in question.
Pricing Models
It is expected that the overall price to enjoy gaming through the Google’s Stadia will come at an extra cost. The uncapped and superfast data plan, the fixed latency issues, and the possibility that the Stadia will come with a subscription model is just among the expenses to incur. However, what has the gaming fraternity in wonder is the pricing model Google will adopt. Whether they will have to pay separately for AAA titles or if it will come with different levels of membership.
Lack of Titles
With the launch of the service expected later this year, it was surprising that they didn’t announce any gaming titles scheduled to come to the platform. Google’s objective seems to incline more on hardware replacement rather than a supplement. However, it is evident that the majority of gamers aren’t prepared for cloud-based gaming services yet.
Dil Bole Oberoi
