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Google reveals multiplayer support and other new Stadia details
You won't lose access to your games on Google Stadia even if its publisher decides to exit the platform. That's one of the things the tech giant has revealed in a comprehensive update to the service's FAQ where Google promises that once you purchase the game on its platform, you'll own the right to play it. That means you'll still be able to access it even if time comes that it's no longer available for purchase to other players. "Outside of unforeseen circumstances," the FAQ says, "Stadia will aim to keep any previously purchased title available for gameplay."
Phil Spencer: xCloud runs 'fine' on 4G
Xbox needs cloud gaming to work. Microsoft has been pushing the industry toward a digital-first, streaming future since 2013 -- years before players or infrastructure were remotely ready for the idea. It makes sense: Microsoft is uniquely positioned as a gigantic technology company with deep roots in gaming, and they're able to leverage vast resources and expertise in AI, server infrastructure, hardware and software to set standards of gameplay-delivery systems.
Xbox on a phone: Microsoft Project xCloud hands-on
Microsoft's Project xCloud is almost ready for public consumption. In fact, it's launching in some capacity this October, with the ability to stream games from your at-home Xbox One to any device you own. The company's big E3 showcase mentioned this, but not much else. Sure, we had news of the next-gen Project Scarlett console to keep the faithful hyped for what's coming up, but concrete details and specifications are still scant. This means that getting to test the service out, with real, triple-A games was all the more important -- and that's what I just did. I played Resident Evil 7, Hellblade, Halo 5 and more through a Galaxy S10, with an Xbox controller, and it was rather wonderful.
Google Stadia may offer publisher-specific subscriptions
Last week, Google revealed pricing and availability for its much-anticipated game streaming service Stadia. It announced the Founder's Edition and Stadia Pro packages, as well as a targeted November release date. Later, Phil Harrison, a vice president and general manager of Google, seemed to slip a few more details. During YouTube's E3 Live show, Harrison reportedly said Stadia will also offer publisher-specific subscriptions. Those could allow Stadia gamers to subscribe to all titles from individual publishers.
Xbox's biggest competitor isn't PlayStation
Stop me if you've heard this one before. At E3 2013, Microsoft tripped over its shoelaces as it tried to justify the unexpectedly high price and complex ecosystem of its upcoming console, the Xbox One. It required an internet connection and locked purchases to specific accounts, disrupting established resale and game-sharing processes. On top of that, executives were repeatedly dismissive of fans' concerns. When Phil Spencer, then the head of Microsoft Studios, announced a $500 price tag for the Xbox One, the E3 audience gasped and fell silent. Hours later, Sony took the stage. Executives presented their new console, the PlayStation 4, as the balm to Xbox's burn. It didn't need an internet connection to function, used games would play just fine, and titles wouldn't be tied to online accounts, making sharing easy with physical discs. PlayStation boss Jack Tretton announced the PS4's price of $400 and cheers exploded throughout the stadium.
After Math: We're not playing around
E3 2019 is nearly upon us and the gaming news is already coming at a breakneck pace. Google divulged new details about its upcoming Stadia game streaming service and Razor announced the launch of a new lightweight headset while GameStop's downward spiral shows no sign of slowing down.
'Baldur's Gate III' is real and it'll be on Google Stadia
Amid its wave of announcements for Stadia, Google confirmed several new games will be available on the platform. Darksiders Genesis emerged a few hours before Stadia Connect got underway, and there are some other notable upcoming titles too: Baldur's Gate III and Gylt.
Google Stadia launches this November with $130 Founder's Edition
On the eve of E3 (well, the night before EA's press conference, anyway), Google has revealed pricing and availability for Stadia, its highly anticipated game streaming service. The big date for your diary? November. The technology giant will launch a special Founder's Edition for $129.99 sometime that month. The pack, available to pre-order now, will come with a Chromecast Ultra puck, limited-edition Night Blue controller, "first dibs" on a Stadia username, and two three-month Stadia Pro subscriptions -- one for you and a friend. Stadia Pro will otherwise cost $9.99 per month and grants you access to Google's library at up to 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, with HDR and 5.1 surround sound.
'Darksiders Genesis' confirmed for Google Stadia, consoles and PC
THQ Nordic and Airship Syndicate have announced the latest entry in the Darksiders series following 2018's Darksiders III -- and it's one of the first games confirmed for Google's Stadia game streaming platform. Darksiders Genesis is a spinoff of the main series, according to IGN. It's said to be a Diablo-style top-down RPG, in which you'll hack and slash your way through dungeons and monsters, collecting loot along the way.
Watch Google's Stadia event here at 12PM ET
Google is hosting a Stadia event today, and it's set to reveal some big news for the game streaming platform, including pricing and launch details as well as some of the games you'll be able to play. Stadia Connect is taking place just ahead of E3, and less than three months after Google revealed the platform. You should find out details on when you can start playing games on Stadia and how much it'll cost when Stadia Connect starts at 12PM ET, and you can watch the stream right here.
YouTube will offer 10 hours of live E3 coverage on June 9th
YouTube is giving you a gigantic dose of E3 this year -- the service will offer 10 hours of live coverage through its Gaming section on June 9th, starting at 1PM Eastern. It'll include obvious coverage of E3 milestones like the Xbox showcase and Bethesda's presentation, but YouTube is treating this more like a day-long festival -- it'll be hosted by the Game Awards' Geoff Keighley, and will feature appearances from internet stars like Felicia Day, Jacksepticeye and Markiplier as well as performances from the likes of Marshmello, Bastille and Lindsey Stirling.
Google will reveal Stadia launch details and price on Thursday
With Stadia, Google's is promising a robust, low-latency video game streaming system, but it's kept a few crucial details under wraps -- like when it'll launch, how much it'll cost, and which games it'll support. These answers are coming in a Google live stream on Thursday, June 6th, at 12PM ET.
What to expect at E3 2019
We're barely a week away from the start of E3 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in California! This year's event may be missing one of its stalwarts now that Sony has announced that it will not have a presence but there will be news aplenty from the show floor. Let's take a look at some of the anticipated high points.
Google is convinced it can get game streaming right
Phil Harrison won't budge. As a vice president and general manager at Google, he's spent the past 15 minutes explaining why Stadia, the company's freshly announced game-streaming service, will actually work on the existing internet infrastructure across North America and Europe. He's focused on the investments Google has made over the past 20 years in cloud networks, talking up the company's 7,500 server nodes, custom CPUs and partnerships with major internet service providers.
Watch Google's GDC 2019 event in 14 minutes
Earlier today at GDC 2019, Google officially revealed Stadia, a game-streaming service that will be available later this year in US, Canada, the UK and Europe. There's a lot Google didn't cover -- like pricing and an exact launch date -- but the company did show off a custom-built controller for the service that has a dedicated button for Google Assistant. It also demoed fancy style transfer tech that can use AI to change the look of a game in real time. Don't rely on my terse summary though, we've condensed all the highlights down to a 14-minute clip to get you caught up in a flash. And be sure to follow all of the latest news from GDC in San Francisco right here.
Google Stadia can use AI to change a game's art in real-time
Google's Stadia game streaming service isn't just using the cloud to make games playable anywhere -- it's also using the technology for some clever artistic tricks. A Style Transfer feature uses machine learning to apply art styles to the game world in real time, turning even a drab landscape into a colorful display. If you'd like to play in a realm that resembles Van Gogh's Starry Night, you can.
Google built a controller for its Stadia gaming service
Google is backing up its new Stadia game streaming service with some honest-to-goodness hardware -- but not a box. The internet giant has unveiled a gamepad built with Stadia in mind, and it borrows a few cues from its earlier design patent. The wireless gamepad connects over WiFi, not Bluetooth, giving it access to the internet, and makes use of that through its dedicated buttons. You can press a "capture" button to save and share gaming moments, while a Google Assistant button can provide help when you're stuck.
Google is launching a game-streaming service called Stadia
Google is getting into game streaming. The company today revealed Stadia, the evolution of its efforts to make digital, on-demand video games reliable and viable. It'll be available this year in the US, Canada, the UK and Europe. Google dropped the news during an hour-long showcase at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.
Motorola considering Nike+ SportWatch contender?
It looks like Motorola might be prepping to give the Nike+ SportWatch a run for its money. An intrepid tipster sent along a screenshot from a recent survey showing off what looks like a tricked out nano watch. Described as an "all-in-one fitness and music personal fitness device" (redundant much?) that packs a GPS for "accurate performance tracking," the as of yet unnamed gadget also sports a "smart music player" that compiles a list of songs based on the tunes that help you sweat your best. It also lets you wirelessly sync to your PC for workout analysis, and apparently does the same for Android devices. Among the possible names listed in the survey is the MotoActive, hinting at, but certainly not pinning down, Motorola branding. Of course this is just an online survey, so we wouldn't get too excited about your new running mate just yet. [Thanks, Anon]
Motorola 'Stadia' trademark application hints at device with gaming / fitness features
It's not exactly a ton to go on, but a trademark application recently filed by Motorola for the word "Stadia" has at least opened up a few interesting possibilities. While the (as yet nonexistent) device in question is seemingly phone-related given the goods and services Motorola is hoping to have covered, the application also specifically mentions a "game device in the nature of handheld units for playing electronic games for use with external display screen or monitor," along with a number of fitness-related functions like heart rate, speed, and calorie monitoring. That latter bit is further backed up by a separate "Stadia" trademark application filed by Motorola back in November, which specifically covered "fitness monitoring devices." What does it all mean? If we had to guess we'd say it's some sort of fitness accessory designed for use with a phone (possibly with some game-like features). Unfortunately, guessing is about all we can do at the moment.
