Google Stadia was launched in November of 2019 as a highly anticipated cloud gaming service. The platform promised to let us play big-budget games without the need to own consoles, game CDs or gaming PCs. With Google Stadia, one would not even need a system better than any computer having just above-average specifications to run these games.

How is this possible? This is because the games are streamed on Google’s servers in the cloud rather than being executed on the client device. Due to this, very little of the processing capacity and the memory of the client system is occupied when a user is playing a game on Google Stadia. Theoretically speaking, this would mean that we will not be required to upgrade our gaming systems, consoles or hardware modules such as graphics cards as Google Stadia’s cloud computing resources would take care of that part.

Compared to previously distributed gaming services or cloud gaming platforms, Google Stadia has been reported as the most reliable one by a lot of tech critics. Google Stadia was meant to make the dreams of many come true. However, like in many new innovative solutions and services, there are some flaws that can always be improved upon. Let us learn more about these flaws as well as how Google Stadia will be improving its services.
Google Stadia’s Advantages and Drawbacks
A lot of us use consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation while a huge number of gamers use computers for daily gaming. There has always been a massive problem with this though, the fact that most games do not support cross-platform gaming. This deters a lot of multiplayer lovers to buy specific games as they are not able to play with their friends.

With Google Stadia, as long as you have an internet connection, you will be able to start gaming, regardless of where you are and what device you are on. Switching from one device to another is seamless as well, on this platform. For example, you can connect the Stadia Controller with your TV to initially start racing and then switch over to your PC with a mouse and keyboard when you need to shoot somebody. If you are beginning to feel like lying down, then you can again switch over to your smartphone while grabbing some coke. You can do all of this while you are inside an in-game session.

Google Stadia takes gaming flexibility to the next level and the platform is beginning to interest many well-reputed game studios now. For instance, AT&T’s browser-based Batman: Arkham Knight was hosted with the help of Google Stadia’s technology. Capcom is also planning to adopt Google Stadia for its web-based game demos. There are already great titles such as Resident Evil 7, GRID, MotoGP2020, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Far Cry 6, FIFA 22, Borderlands 3, GRID, Hitman 3, Life is Strange and Metro Redux 2033.

However, Google Stadia disappointed a lot of gaming enthusiasts who were expecting the same performance and frame rate one would get from high-end gaming PCs or consoles. Many reported the platform’s interface as not too innovative as well. This is why, Google Stadia has planned to completely reinvent itself as the current version of the service as many users still believe it to be in its early beta phase though people are being charged money for it.

Another huge problem with Google Stadia is the lack of an emulator to run Windows games. Windows-based games as of now cannot be ported into Google Stadia. And, game developers must individually work on the games to make the titles compatible with the platform. Yes, there are some free titles on the platform such as the extremely popular PUBG, Destiny 2 and Super Bomberman but one can get a lot of free games on other devices and platforms as well. For example, PUBG is also available for free in the PlayStation store. Google Stadia needs some more hit titles that are only available on the Stadia platform. Also, more interesting titles can be introduced as the available ones are eventually becoming monotonous for many users.
Why Does Google Stadia Need to Reinvent Itself?
Google has been slowly working its way to solving the shortcomings of Google Stadia. One highly reported drawback is Google Stadia not having the instantaneous gaming experience it initially promised. A lot of Google Stadia users also complained about not being able to immediately access their own games or other game demos without signing in. The experience is still not as seamless as it is in some implementations such as being able to try out a game on the same screen from a YouTube video or an in-game advertisement. Google has been reportedly trying to remove as much friction as possible in the user interface.

Once Google Stadia is ready, it will truly offer the magical experience of games being ‘instantly available’ in real time without needing to take any additional action. If game developers are allowed to integrate Stadia’s services into advertisements and YouTube videos, then it would definitely draw more people in. Many potential users bounce (leave) when they need to sign in through their social media or sign up for an account, thus making games available to try out on other platforms is crucial for Google Stadia’s success. Google needs to also let people browse through free games and demos without needing people to log in or sign up.

Google Stadia also makes it hard for developers to port their games built with Unity or Unreal Engine. Once Google takes care of this by providing tools that translate DirectX APIs automatically, it will be much easier for developers to have their games on the Stadia platform. This will promote a healthy supply of games on the platform, thus bringing in more users as a result. Top companies use Google’s distributed computing resources to offer web-based game demos and paid games, it will be extremely easy for the giant to rake in indie developers.

However, Google is doing as much as it can to remove this excessive gap in demand and supply. Google Stadia is making it easier than ever and completely free to upload the games you build to the platform. Stadia is also on its way to scale to 120 fps and 8K resolution, which will truly make it a competitive service in the gaming industry that can go against consoles and other reputable gaming services such as Steam. However, with the number of titles platforms like Steam have, it might be really hard to do so. Google plans to beat that with its flexibility and cross-platform support where iPhone and Android users can also be a part of the same action which was limited to only PC and console users previously.

With Google Stadia, developers will be able to put their free games ready to play for any user in the near future. Google has also promised us features such as streaming in 4K while playing games in 4K in the future with the help of Google Stadia. Eventually, Google will also be releasing its own games for the platform.

Also Read: Top Favorite Stadia Games of 2022