The future of video games is NOW!

Remember the good ol’ days when we had to construct an elaborate contraption just for a few hours of fun… … and it ended up not working properly.

It seems the good people of Google have found a way to take out the boring part of the gaming equation and leave us with the fun part.

And that is getting down to business and playing the game.

The solution:

Google Stadia!

Jiminy Christmas, what is that?

Well, only the best thing (since sliced bread!) according to the latest Google Stadia statistics.Sit in front of the nearest screen, turn on your controller, and start playing.

Let’s get down to basics: what is Google Stadia?

Google Stadia is an innovative cloud gaming service that is capable of streaming quality video games of up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second to any TV screen, computer device, or smartphone. Boom!

The idea is to provide a gaming experience to players with the support of a high-dynamic-range from various data analysis centers across the globe at a high-speed internet connection.Let’s see what all the fuss is about:

Fascinating Google Stadia Statistics

  • Stadia’s specs of 10.7 GPU teraFLOPS greatly surpass those of other modern consoles.
  • Stadia Founders Edition almost sold out nearing the release date.
  • The average download speed in American households was 96.25 Mbps in 2018.
  • E3 2019 Doom gameplay footage on Google Stadia leaves positive impressions.
  • Google Stadia announces that it will be adding Cyberpunk to its list of games.

Now:

What Do We Know About Google Stadia?

Let’s talk more about the capabilities of this brand new gaming system.

Newsflash:

Google Stadia is the future of gaming, plain and simple. Without a doubt, it is a device that will completely change the fabric of gaming as we know it and revolutionize the industry.

Now:

You can access Stadia on any device by using Google Chrome or in combination with a Chromecast Ultra device.

In other words:

You can play games without a console, man! The idea behind Google Stadia is that you don’t require any additional hardware. You only need an internet connection that’s fast enough.

How Does it Work?  

Hooking up the device to your TV is easy and requires just a few moments. If you have Chromecast Ultra, all you need to do is download an app that will let you connect everything.

Alternatively, if you prefer a mouse and keyboard, you can easily set up everything on any device using your Chrome browser.

However, the controller comes in handy when playing on your phone.

Pay attention now:

The streaming service works in accordance with YouTube’s capability of sharing media. Developers took into account the fact that game streaming is an extension of watching video game live streams. So, the idea is to allow gamers to stream their gameplay directly to YouTube whenever they wish. The controller even has a separate button for it.

Currently, Stadia supports games in HDR at 60 frames per second in 4K resolution. This is just the beginning, guys!

With the development of the 5G network, they plan to expand to 120 fps in 8K in 2020 according to Google Stadia predictions.

This is important:

There is a widespread misconception that Google Stadia is the “Netflix of games.” Yes and no: Stadia is not a subscription service, and you will still need to buy games. That being said, there are plans to offer certain games for free once the initial phase is complete.

For now, Destiny 2 is the only available game in the subscription package. That doesn’t sound like a lot, does it?

Chill! There’s more to come in the future. We might get to see some future blockbuster titles like Wolfenstein: Youngblood available.

The thing is:

Popular game developers are intrigued by the idea and are considering jumping on board sooner rather than later.  Which brings us to the RED CARPET:

Google Stadia Launch 2019

Before being officially confirmed as Google Stadia, it was known under the code name “Project Steam.” The work on it presumably started back in 2016.All very hush-hush.

In time, Google decided to reveal the secretive project and announced one of all the particulars. And then the BOMB exploded:

Google Stadia was launched on November 19, 2019. 

The initial release was 14 countries, in line with the expected Google Stadia trends.

Besides the US, the UK, and Canada, Stadia is simultaneously being released in 11 European countries: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.

The initial release only included the Pro Stadia subscription. The Base subscription is going to be available in 2020. There is no exact date at the time of writing.

Google Stadia Hardware

As we’ve already mentioned, the idea behind Google Stadia is to transfer all gaming to the cloud.

Most up and coming video games are doing the same by eliminating the use of a console altogether, as some virtual reality statistics suggest.

When it comes to Stadia, the gaming system will be available for use on a TV, computer, or mobile phone. All you need is a Google Chrome browser, which enables you to connect to the game and play it anywhere you want.

Now:

When you buy the Stadia package, you will get a special Stadia controller and a Chromecast Ultra. To set up your Google Stadia game console, you just need to connect it with the device you want to use it on.

Here’s how:

TV – In order to play the game on your TV, simply plug in the Chromecast device, install an app, and work your way through it with the controller. The controller connects wirelessly to the game center (not to the device you are using). The creators can then attest to it that there will be virtually no lag during gameplay.

Computer – When using your personal computer, you really do not need a controller at all, as you can use your mouse and keyboard. You can simply connect to the game on Google Chrome and play it. Google game streaming also allows you to jump right back into the last time you saved the game, so you can pick up exactly where you left.

Mobile Phone – The controller can also be plugged into your smartphone where you can access it via Google Chrome as well. So far, the only way to play the game on a phone is by plugging in the controller via cable. At launch, the game will only be available for its own-brand Pixel phones. Compatible Phones:

  • Pixel 3
  • Pixel 3 XL
  • Pixel 3a
  • Pixel 3a XL

Google Stadia Newest Controller

It’s a pretty one, isn’t it? 

Stadia’s newest controller has been specifically made to adapt to modern gamers. Google Stadia game statistics reveal it is actually one of the more playable controllers out there.It includes a direction pad, two thumbsticks, two sets of shoulder buttons, four main face buttons, and added five controller face buttons.

But the main highlights are the Gameplay Capture/Streaming button and the Google Assistant button.

Check this out:

The Gameplay Capture/Streaming button allows gamers to immediately show the world what they are doing via YouTube.Google Assistant is there to help you when you are stuck. Press the magic button, and you get help directly from the internet. The controller will also be available in multiple colors, but only the people who get the Founders Package will be able to get the limited-edition Night Blue version.

Next order of business: 

Google Stadia Internet Requirements

With the ability to stream 4K videos with high dynamic range colors at 60 fps and a 5.1 surround system, you would think that the internet requirements are off the charts.

Think again!

4K requires 35 Mbps for steady streaming, but Google says 10 Mbps is the minimum requirement which will deliver 720p video with stereo sound.

Hardware:

But let’s move over to some fun facts!

Google Stadia Facts

1. Stadia’s specs of 10.7 GPU teraFLOPS greatly surpass those of other modern consoles.

With the announcement of the Google Stadia gaming system, a lot of people were concerned about the lag. However, the specs confirmed that the developers have thought things through and made a gaming system with immense computing power.

To compare, Stadia operates at 10.7 GPU teraFLOPS, which surpasses PlayStation 4 (4.2 GPU) and Xbox One X (6.0 GPU). While the CPU performance might be similar, the overall specs show Stadia can even rival future, next-gen consoles.

The game system showed good performance when testing the latest Doom game and should be able to operate in various conditions. 

2. The Stadia controller won’t be completely wireless at launch.

As The Verge was able to find out, the initial batch of Stadia controllers will not be completely wireless. While it is true that the controllers will be available for use when it comes to TV sets, computers and phones will still have to use a USB-C cable to connect controllers.

Now:

Bluetooth connectivity is an option but is still being developed. So, it won’t be offered during the initial launch.

The company confirmed that playing Google games wirelessly on a TV is its main priority. At first, it will mainly focus on making things right there. We hope to see more advancements when the Base version is released.

3. The average download speed in American households was 96.25 Mbps in 2018.

According to recent stats, American homes had an average internet download speed of 96.25 Mbps, compared to a global average of 46.12 Mbps.

As far as mobile phones go, the average download speed was measured at 27.33 Mbps in the US and 22.82 Mbps globally.

Based on the Google Stadia statistics that say that the game requires at least 10 Mbps, most users will be able to play games without any hassle. Yay! However, as PC Gamer has calculated, using Stadia’s 4K for a period of 65 hours might ruin your data plan, as it can consume up to a terabyte.

4. Stadia Founders Edition almost sold out nearing release date.

With the release date of Google Stadia just around the corner, the developers announced that the Founders Edition has been almost sold out and won’t be renewed.

But don’t fret: It will be replaced with a Premiere Edition, which is similar if not quite the same thing.

Even though neither edition will come with free games to download, they do have certain perks. Both come with a Chromecast Ultra and a three-month subscription to Stadia Pro. However, the limited Night Blue controller will be replaced by a white one in the Premiere pack.

Additionally, Founders edition owners will be able to select their handles first.

5. E3 2019 Doom Eternal gameplay footage on Google Stadia leaves positive impressions.

The demo ran on 1080p and was being streamed on a larger display.

Based on the available Google Stadia statistics, the game was drawn from a big data center in San Francisco, while the player himself was in downtown Los Angeles.

While there was no lag and the player was able to enjoy the game without missing a beat, the graphics were not on par with those of a computer console or PC.

Key takeaway:

In certain circumstances, Google Stadia gamers may have to decide between fluidity and flawless appearance.

Next:

6. 10 years of Stadia Pro will cost $1,200, compared to $600 for Xbox Live Gold.

There are legit concerns that the Stadia subscription may be a little bit on the costly side based on the given Google Stadia game statistics. At current pricing, it will set you back $1,200 in a span of 10 years. At first glance, this may not seem that big of a deal since you are getting a lot of video games and an innovative game service. However: If you compare it to a subscription for an Xbox Live Gold for the same period though ($600), you see how pricey it can get. But if the costs of actually buying an Xbox console are factored in, we end up with a more even playing field. 

7. Google Stadia announced it will be adding Cyberpunk 2077 to its list of games.

Google is really going big with its Stadia offers. The tech giant is not just aiming to provide the best gaming experience. It also wants to include the best games out there. One of them is undoubtedly Cyberpunk 2077.

The thing is:

Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most anticipated games today, particularly as it features the star of the John Wick franchise, Keanu Reeves, as a character. (Still dreamy!) The official release of the game is April 16, 2020. However, Google has yet to announce the official date when the game becomes available for purchase on its newest gaming platform.

Google Stadia Pricing

Upon its release, Google Stadia will offer the Founders Edition package, which will include the starter kit and three months of premium services at a price of $130.The kit will include the limited-edition Night Blue controller as well and a Chromecast Ultra device. Separate controllers and Chromecasts can be bought for around $70 apiece.

The Google Stadia price for the Stadia Pro subscription will be $10 per month. However, the subscription will only have Destiny 2 as a free game for a period of three months. There are lots of other games available for purchase, though. Keep reading to find out which ones.

The idea is to add more free games with the subscription, but we’ll have to wait for the release of Stadia base at some point in 2020 to find out more about that. Cyber Monday statistics also indicate that this will be one of the sought for purchases once it’s released.

Google Stadia Games

Even though Stadia will not make most of the games available for free, a lot of game developers have decided to offer their top games with this new gaming system. Besides Destiny 2 (which you get for free), you can already purchase a whole bunch of top games. Confirmed Game List (for now) includes:

  • Ubisoft: Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Just Dance, Gods and Monsters, Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, The Crew 2, Trials Rising, Watch Dogs Legion.
  • THQ: Darksiders Genesis, Kill All Humans.
  • 2K Games: NBA 2K20, Borderlands 3.
  • Superhot Team: Superhot Mind Control Delete.
  • Warner Bros.: Mortal Kombat 11.
  • SNK: Samurai Showdown.
  • Square Enix: Final Fantasy XV, Tomb Raider Definitive Edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Marvel’s Avengers, Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
  • Rockstar Games: Red Dead Redemption 2.
  • Robot Entertainment: Orcs Must Die 3!
  • Tequila Works: Gylt.
  • Larian Studios: Baldur’s Gate.
  • nWay Games: Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid.
  • Sega: Football Manager 2020.
  • Bandai Namco: Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2.
  • Bethesda: Doom 2016, Rage 2, The Elder Scrolls Online, Wolfenstein, Doom Eternal.
  • Coatsink: Get Packed.
  • Codemasters: GRID.
  • Deep Silver: Metro Exodus.
  • DotEmu: Windjammers 2.
  • Drool: Thumper.
  • Giants Software: Farming Simulator 19.
  • Gwen Frey: Kine.
  • CD Project Red: Cyberpunk.

(Yes, that was long!)

Additionally, developers like Capcom and Electronic Arts are yet to announce the list of games they are going to provide.

That’s crazy!

All of these games available in one place!

These are not just going to be some of the most popular games for Stadia - these are some of the best and most anticipated games in the gamer community. We can only assume the boom this gaming system is going to have among gamers.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, everything you needed to know before the release of Google’s gaming system.  What do you think?

Stadia is truly something! Isn’t it?

It is transforming the future of video games by taking away the need to own a console or countless physical games. Many other gaming systems have come up with the idea to offer games without download, but this is something completely different.

Still, there are some doubters who think this system is destined to fail. Much of the concern still comes with the promised high resolution and its ability to transfer high-spec games.

But can you doubt Google at this point?

It is not going to take a risk with something that is not ready. Being meticulous with its devices and decisions is what brought Google to where it is now.

Bottom line:

Experts view this system as something that will transform the gaming world, and Google Stadia statistics confirm it. And if Stadia proves to be a massive success, we are going to see many more similar ones from the competition.

The future is in the cloud!

Happy gaming, everyone!