Google announced a change in direction for its video game streaming service, Google Stadia. According to a post made by Vice President and GM of Stadia Phil Harrison, this change includes the closing of the company’s internal game development studio, Stadia Games and Entertainment.
Google first announced the formation of Stadia Games and Entertainment at GDC 2019. Harrison claims that the company wants to focus on Stadia’s technology and business partnerships, which means it will no longer invest in SG&E. He also stated, “…Creating best-in-class games from the ground up takes many years and significant investment, and the cost is going up exponentially.”
He went on to clarify that users would still be able to play their games through Stadia and Stadia Pro. Additionally, the company plans to continue its work with third parties to add games to the platform’s lineup. For example, Judgment will join the service in 2021.
Google recently added iOS support for Google Stadia. Games from major studios were also released over the last few months. This includes CD Projekt Red’s newest game, Cyberpunk 2077 and the IO Interactive title, Hitman 3.
Unlike Microsoft’s video game subscription and streaming service, Xbox Game Pass, most games available through Google Stadia need to be purchased individually.
