New Stadia details: games playable even if publisher leaves, multiplayer support, works...

[midian182]

In brief: Google has revealed more details about its upcoming Stadia service. While there are some concerns when it comes to game streaming, it seems losing access to your titles if a publisher decides to abandon the platform won’t be one of them.

In an update to Stadia’s FAQ page, Google writes that once you purchase a game, you own the right to play it. “In the future, it is possible that some games may no longer be available for new purchases, but existing players will still be able to play the game,” it explains. This is certainly welcome news, especially as games on the service won’t be cheaper than their physical and downloadable counterparts.

“Outside of unforeseen circumstances, Stadia will aim to keep any previously purchased title available for gameplay.”

Elsewhere, Google said Stadia would support full multiplayer titles, including couch-based co-op games, with up to four Stadia controllers able to be used in local multiplayer. The controllers use Bluetooth Low Energy for set-up and Wi-Fi for gameplay; they can also be connected via USB-C.

It’s also noted that Stadia will be supported on a small number of mobile devices when it launches in November. Only Pixel 3 and 3a phones (3a, 3a XL, 3, 3XL) will be able to play games, along with tablets running Chrome OS, though Google is working on supporting more devices, and it is possible to buy games from any iOS 11+ or Android M+ device that can run the Stadia app.

While Stadia looks set to consume plenty of users' data, Google believes ISPs will be able to meet these demands, adding that data caps are “not a universal challenge.”

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/80860-new-stadia-details-games-playable-even-if-publisher.html

 

[BSim500]

"Once you buy a game, you own the right to play it"

A completely useless 'guarantee' for any DRM'd remote cloud service if Google ever pulls the plug on Stadia itself a few years down the line... About the only store that has ever impressed me and sounded genuine with "digital ownership rights" is GOG (for the exact opposite reason of why Stadia exists - providing a chain of 100% offline installation to play).

 

[Teko03]

"Once you buy a game, you own the right to play it"

A completely useless 'guarantee' for any DRM'd remote cloud service if Google ever pulls the plug on Stadia itself a few years down the line... About the only store that has ever impressed me and sounded genuine with "digital ownership rights" is GOG (for the exact opposite reason of why Stadia exists - providing a chain of 100% offline installation to play).

This. Google answered the question no one asked. Google's support for Stadia is the red flag in this gaming concept. An issue you won't have with Sony's Playstation Now or Microsoft's Project xCloud.

 

[treetops]

Pros
No console cost
NO UPFRONT COST (If you look at their site or check your inbox for an email from android central)
No electricity cost
No hacking\cheating
Everyone is at 60 fps, no advantage
Key board and mouse gaming
Free 1080p 60 FPS
Use any controller mouse kb\computer\tablet\iphone\tv\monitor you want
4k 60 fps gaming for 10$ a month
Hardware updated continually for free

Neutral
Like any system, response time wars on different monitors

Cons
At least 25 down needed to stream 4k, monthly data caps can make it unfeasible at 4k. 35 down with 5.1 surround sound. 1 tb data cap used in around 80 hours.
Cannot resell physical copies of games like other consoles
No physical copies
No offline play

Unknowns
Streaming lag? like remote support? (But everyone will lag at least?)
Game deals?
Third party sellers?
KBM\Touch Screen\Controller cross platform?


Side note, it's kind of funny they say most people have 4k tvs in the USA but with our data caps we can't even stream it most places.

 

[ForgottenLegion]

Latency issues will mean this is DoA.
I imagine it'll be like playing without game mode enabled on your TV. Like moving through treacle.

 

[m4a4]

No console cost
NO UPFRONT COST (If you look at their site or check your inbox for an email from android central)

Just like to point out that's only correct if you don't want to be mobile. Otherwise, you very much have to buy a specific piece of hardware right now. A con you missed.

 

[CBTex]

The limit of phones to Pixel 3 and 3a seems artificial. The Pixel 2 has a faster SoC than the 3a.

 

[Puiu]

The limit of phones to Pixel 3 and 3a seems artificial. The Pixel 2 has a faster SoC than the 3a.

The limits are not related to the hardware per se, but with the number of people who have access to said hardware. They are intentionally doing a very limited launch to test the waters (aka beta launch).