Google Stadia: Five Intriguing Elements

Remember the name: Google Stadia. For many years, the video games industry, governed by two opposing forces, has been, and still is split diametrically at the seams. Most notably, between the PC and console demographics. On the console side, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, embroiled in a continuous three-horse race for supremacy have dominated their respective fields.

 

Meanwhile, the PC has had to endure internal conflict of its own, with the rise of streaming platforms such as Valve’s Steam, and of course, the recently released Epic Games.

 

Now, the mega-corporation Google is about to jump in on the action, and chip-in with a unique iteration of its own. Safe to say, the announcement has sent shockwaves through the gaming landscape. But what exactly is the Google Stadia, and why is it generating such mass-hype.

Google Stadia is a streaming service at its core. Think of it as a virtual, cross-compatible interface. In short, it’s a format which many respected luminaries consider to be, for better or worse, the fate of the future of gaming — no doubt, set to disrupt the balance of play for generations to come. Following its recent reveal, we’ve compiled a list of 5 exciting elements to the Google Stadia.

 

Google Stadia: Performance

 

Perhaps the most impressive quality of Google Stadia is the level of performance. Typically, as an online service, it’s tricky to stabilize specs, what with constant latency concerns subjected to the service. The Google Stadia promises to change all that, pledging a resolution of 1080p, at 60fps as a bare minimum. Better still, Google project that 4K will be bumped up to 8K in the foreseeable future.

 

Not only that but the specs, in comparison to consoles stack up nicely, seemingly outgunning the PS4 Pro and Xbox One in all but a few aspects. Based on these projections, Google Stadia is packing some serious muscle. With that in mind, we can’t wait to put her through her paces.

Google Stadia: Compatibility

 

One way in which the Google Stadia looks set to break away from the field is through elements of compatibility. Unlike any device to date, the Google Stadia connects to most controllers already in your home. Plus, the exclusive Google pad is said to be wifi-enabled, acting as a separate database.

 

This built-in, wifi-feature could help to reduce latency, and even possibly strengthen connectivity. Besides, there’s nothing worse than your signal dropping at the vital stage, when binging on a thrilling Netflix show. Same applies within the gaming realm.

As far as pad design goes, simplicity appears to be the focal aim. Sure, at first sight, there’s not much to instill a twinkle in the eye. However, the controllers slick and ergonomic design encourages accessibility at all levels. All the while, sharing a decent degree of comfort. At least, from what we can deduce so far. It’s still early days of course.

 

Google Stadia: Convenience

 

Generally, consoles are not built to be universally accessible. For instance, hardware restraints restrict the player to one device, limiting versatility. You can’t play a PS4 game on the Xbox, or a PC game on a console and vice versa. Thankfully, Google Stadia aims to break the mold.

 

Not only will the service do away with excruciating download times, but it allows you to switch between TV, phone, and laptop seamlessly. Most likely, a model set to dominate the future of gaming. Whether or not this cross-compatibility will include consoles remains to be seen. Unlikely, it would seem, but you never know. Besides, the industry can cook up many a surprise from time to time.

Google Stadia: Split-Screen Feature

 

Many of you will be too old to remember the joys of couch-coop. If so let me refresh your memory. Players sit and game in the same room. I know, what you’re thinking guys, such a beautiful concept! Unfortunately, this experience has all but vanished from the scene with the arrival and gradual inclusion of online multiplayer.

 

These days are behind us, but Google Stadia may resurrect couch-coop from its untimely deathbed. There’s not much to go on, but online split-screen would be a real kick in the teeth to consoles, which dissolved the format long ago. In truth, it would be an excellent way for Google Stadia to stand-out from the pack. Let’s hope it delivers on that promise. Or is it just me that’s fighting the good fight? Oh well, I tried guys. People want to yell verbal diarrhea down the headset now, it’s pure cringe.

 

Google Stadia: Share State Button

 

The share state button is a new innovative tool, expected to grant players the option to hop from game-to-game by generating a text link. Thus, players click on the link, and voila, a new world awaits. Furthermore, stats and inventory items carry over, remaining identical for both the primary player and the new party member. I think this is a smart way to encourage interaction and inspire player creativity. Hopefully, this will pave the way for new and inventive gameplay experiences — all in all, a nice element that could place Google Stadia in a class of its own.

 

Lastly, Google Stadia has purportedly enlisted the help of 100 studios. Most probably, to bolster the productivity of the console. Also worthy of note, is the game studios, which could help the service issue trademark releases in a bid to compete with Sony’s top-notch exclusives list. We can’t say for sure, but there’s plenty to get hyped about here. Undoubtedly then, the console war just got interesting!

 

All in all, Google Stadia is set to throw a spanner in the proverbial works. Sure enough, the new service will no doubt keep the console industry tight on its toes. Especially, since Sony’s decision to depart from E3 in 2019. What do you think? Is Google Stadia a certified game changer? Also, is this a visionary prototype for the future of gaming? Let us know your views in the chat below. As always, we value your opinions.

 

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