Google recently announced its cloud-based game streaming platform: Google Stadia. That’s right Stadia is being called a platform because, well, it isn’t a console. After watching the official announcement and reading up on information, I think it will take a lot of time to get going. Google Stadia is not a console killer, that some are claiming.
Google Stadia = Onlive?
Some are calling it “Netflix for video games”, but you know what some already consider “Netflix for video games”? Xbox Game Pass. These are obviously limited to games that are on Xbox sadly. Google has stated that Stadia will be able to be played on TV via Chromecast, tablets, phones, and PC. While picking up where you left off. Literally exactly where you last were.
This would be fantastic, being able to play AAA games on dang near anywhere is great. The thing is, this doesn’t feel too much different than Onlive that was released many years ago.
Onlive was essentially the same thing. A streaming platform that allows people to play their favorite games on a PC, no matter the specifications. Much like Onlive, Stadia’s game performance will be based on internet speed.
Onlive has tried to do this and ended not lasting long enough. Technology has obviously changed over the years since Onlive, so maybe Google might have the answers. They definitely have the money compared to Onlive’s smaller company. What exactly will Google and Stadia offer differently though to stay relevant?
I keep thinking to myself what makes Google so different? Was Onlive actually ahead of its time and gamers simply weren’t ready for it? Is now the right time to launch Stadia?
Google Stadia Is Powerful. Is That Enough?
Anyways, Stadia’s announcement event was filled with a lot of words, but little information. Google has stated that Stadia is more powerful than Xbox One X and PS4 Pro combined. The Xbox One X’s GPU is 7.0 teraflops, PS4 Pro’s GPU is 4.2, while Stadia is 10.7. Stadia also supports 4K and 60fps, with Google promising up to 8K. The downside? The official website states “4K HDR at 60 FPS are dependent on your bandwidth. Gameplay experience may vary based on quality of internet connection”.
Speaking of internet connection, Stadia will always require an internet connection. Do y’all ‘member when Xbox One was announced and Microsoft said that Xbox One will always need to be connected to the internet to play games? I ‘member, I think we all ‘member. Everyone’s was outraged and crying more than a baby that dropped a lollipop. And with good reason, it was stupid, even Sony poked fun at them.
Stadia is doing the same thing. Say goodbye to gaming when there is internet outage at Google or at your current location. Everyone will just turn on their nearest console. Not being able to play the games that you bought because of an internet outage, on either end, is infuriating. How exactly does Stadia plan to be the console killer if everyone will always have a console on the back burner?
Google Stadia and Latency
As I stated Google hasn’t said much on the Stadia. A lot of specifications mumbo jumbo, but nothing concrete. What if your internet goes out while playing a game? What about latency, input lag, and bandwidth? People in the United States, such as myself, have a bandwidth limit, if we game a lot, this will be a problem. Outside of the U.S. though I don’t think this is much of an issue because a lot of areas have no bandwidth or data cap.
I want to get back to latency and input lag, this is one reason why I think Google Stadia is not a console killer. I am a huge fan of fast-paced shooters and fighting games. As a fan, I know how important frames and split-second decisions can impact a player’s outcome.
Let’s start with fighting games, most, if not all, fighting games recently released on current consoles run at 60fps. Like all fighting games, characters have movesets that come out within a certain amount of frames. Some are faster, some are slower, but if your internet connection only allows for the game to run at a steady 30fps, you are at a huge disadvantage.
Knowing how to react to and punish special moves using frame data is essential to fighting games. With Stadia, you will be constantly worrying about frame rate dips because of internet connection. The same applies to input lag, this is inevitable. When streaming a game with any internet bandwidth, there is always a little input lag.
So when playing fighting games or fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, or Overwatch, you might feel things are slower and not as responsive. Gamespot recently spoke with Google VP Phil Harrison on latency and input lag.
Google Stadia and Input Lag
Gamespot asked if Google will they be able to satisfy concerns over input lag and such. In which Phil Harrison responded with “Absolutely, unequivocally, yes.” Then proceeded to go into more little things that don’t specifically say that there is no input lag.
We will never know though until it releases, so I guess we have to take Google’s word on it. But it is still inevitable that there will be some. Streaming and internet based gaming will never be as responsive as the source, it just isn’t.
First person shooters require smooth gunplay and responsiveness. With an increase in the battle royale genre, responsiveness is very important. You only have one life in these game modes. Many aren’t going to want to play shooters or fighters on Stadia if they can’t play at their best.
With Stadia also having cross-platform play, I feel all Stadia players will be at a disadvantage. This is assuming they cross-play with Xbox One and PS4, as of now we don’t know which systems yet. I’m assuming when they said cross-platform that they meant consoles as well and not just laptops, tablets, and TVs via Chromecast.
I also want to add that Stadia comes with its own controller. Google has said that it isn’t necessary and games played on Stadia can be played without it or using a regular USB or Bluetooth controller on PC. Stadia’s controller seems to be only able to be wifi connected, not Bluetooth. Better, yes, but still will have more input lag than a connected controller.
Google has yet to state a price but it will be a monthly fee. I am going on a limb here guess that because it is a monthly fee, that games will take longer to be played on the service. Like Xbox Game Pass, it takes a while for games to appear, unless developed by Microsoft themselves. Assuming the same for Stadia shouldn’t be a stretch. Maybe, you have to pay a monthly fee and still pay full price for games, I am honestly not sure what Google is going to do.
A Lot Of Questions Left Unanswered
Google Stadia is not a console killer when it barely showed anything. All Google has done is raise a bunch of questions and leaving a lot of us worried instead of hyped. Google has been thinking about Stadia exclusive titles as well, but only time will tell.
I believe that Stadia has the potential to be something great and unique, but they offered so little information for an announcement that I think they might have unveiled it a little early. We might see more and have more information during the week of E3 later this year.
Speaking of E3 and streaming services, Microsoft is rumored to be showing something big as well. Everyone is thinking it is Project xCloud, Microsoft’s next big thing. Google Stadia release window is sometime this year if they are no delays. Currently, I am just curious about this whole thing, when I see more I might change my judgment and be more excited.
In short, Google has definitely laid down the groundwork for Stadia, but still has a lot going against it, but has a lot going for it as well. Google Stadia is not a console killer, at least not right now, it might not ever, but only time will tell.
Sound off in the comments with your opinion on the subject.
Originally published at gamingnitemare.com on March 23, 2019.
