Where internet giant Google is
concerned, the days of playing videogame consoles with a physical medium
containing the game title you are playing, really are over and should be moved
on from via means of cloud storage. True, companies like Sony and Microsoft do
have cloud gaming services in their PlayStation Now and the Xbox’s Project
XCloud, but their consoles retain the drives in which to insert physical copies
of games. As all games for the upcoming Google Stadia are digitally stored in
the cloud, there are concerns that developers could potentially remove what
games they have available on the Stadia platform. To this, Google assures that
nothing would change.
According to The Verge, Google has made clear what might happen if a company
developing a game for the cloud-based Stadia would suddenly stop supporting the
platform. To assuage fears that such games will get pulled out, Google explains
that they will keep the game on their cloud platform. While new interested
Stadia gamers can no longer buy a streaming license to play the game, those who
already have done so will continue to enjoy the title even if the developers
have ceased its support.
On their updated FAQ for the
Stadia gaming service, Google notes: “Once you purchase the game, you own the
right to play it. In the future, it is possible that some games may no longer
be available for new purchases, but existing players will still be able to play
the game.” The FAQ then adds that the Stadia will keep games purchased by
gamers on their cloud storage barring any “unforeseen circumstances,” likely
referring to developers that might insist on pulling their games out once they
stop supporting the Stadia.
Google Stadia as a gaming service
keeps its software library in cloud storage via remote server, to be streamed
to gamers who have subscribed to the titles in question. Unlike a game that
would either have a physical cartridge or disc container, or a digital download
to a console’s own storage, the Stadia setup means a videogame publisher has
less connect with the players and more with Google which provides the streaming
platform. Thus it was a reasonable concern for potential Stadia adoptees if the
developer and Google have creative differences, since they might lose access to
games when they are pulled out. So far Google has not been able to establish
more about their game streaming arrangement for Stadia.
What can be told now is that the
Stadia service will launch this November for subscribers of the Founder’s
Edition. Not until 2020 will the basic Stadia and Stadia Pro packages will
become generally available.
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