Less than three years after its announcement at the 2019 Game Developers Conference, Google’s own cloud-gaming service, Google Stadia, is being shut down. The service debuted with games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Destiny 2.
Google initially offered free service for six months after launch, and later introduced a subscription plan at $10 a month. Google reportedly offered some promotions to get to attract the players but all of them were in vain.
In a blog post published by Google on Thursday, Phil Harrison, the vice president and the general manager of Stadia, mentioned that the service is being shut down on January 18, 2023 due to lack of traction among players and an underwhelming response to the cloud-gaming service.
Harrison additionally stated that players who purchased the Stadia hardware and games will get a refund for their purchase. Unfortunately, Stadia Pro subscriptions won’t be refunded.
We’re grateful to the dedicated Stadia players that have been with us from the start
Phil Harrison
We will be refunding all Stadia hardware purchases made through the Google Store, and all game and add-on content purchases made through the Stadia store. Players will continue to have access to their games library and play through January 18, 2023 so they can complete final play sessions. We expect to have the majority of refunds completed by mid-January, 2023. We have more details for players on this process on our Help Center.
Phil Harrison
Google stated that current Stadia users can still play their games on Stadia until January 18, 2023 although there might be certain issues with the games.
Even though Google Stadia is being shut down, Harrison explained that Google will continue investing in new tools and technologies for gaming and achieve a respectable position in the gaming industry.
About Google Stadia
Stadia is a cloud gaming service developed and operated by Google. It is accessible through Chromecast Ultra and Android TV devices, on personal computers via the Google Chrome web browser and other Chromium-based browsers, Chromebooks and tablets running Chrome OS, and the Stadia mobile app on supported Android smartphones.
Stadia is capable of streaming video games to players at up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with support for high-dynamic-range (HDR) via the company’s numerous data centers. It offers the option to purchase games from its store in order to stream them or to play a selection of free-to-play games. The service is being shut down on January 18, 2023.
No Comments on Google Stadia is Officially Shutting Down After Three Years of Launch