Google Stadia: questions and answers about the future videogame streaming platform

The presentation of Google this week left us somewhat cold, mainly because the arrival of Stadia, its new video game streaming platform, arrived without video games. In fact, the information offered was somewhat scarce, although new topics have appeared as the company's developer conference progressed.

This platform of video games without video games, beyond the demonstration of how DOOM or Assassin's Creed was executed in full live, has left too many doubts on the table. We will try to answer those that already have a response from the company, although others, unfortunately, will have to wait for Google to repeat its presentation in the summer. It will be then when it reveals practically everything about the new Google system, which seems to go directly to Sony and Microsoft.

Questions and answers about Google Stadia

As we said, we will try to answer all the doubts that are currently on the table, some of which may not have an answer now but maybe later. We will decide that this article is in constant update, as well as to attend to the doubts that you ask us in the comments of the same one. So, let's start.

What hardware is behind Stadia?

One of the few complete data that Google offered about Stadia was related to the infrastructure of its streaming service itself. He told us that Stadia runs in the company's own data center and that it has more than 7,500 nodes scattered around the world to offer low latency as much as possible. He also commented that Stadia runs on custom AMD GPUs, with GPUs also personalized and with AVX2 support. Google specified that each instance of Stadia, which serves a single player, can develop a power of 10.8 teraflops, surpassing the combined power of PS4 and Xbox One X. And since we are talking about Google's data centers, They can be scaled whenever necessary.

What kind of games will Stadia offer?

At the moment we have only been able to see that both DOOM and Assassin's Creed: Odyssey will be in Stadia. Not in vain, Ubisoft has worked for hand in hand with Google in the development and optimization of the platform. But as we said, no games have been presented. We do know that Google has stated categorically that there will be no adult-only games in Stadia. That rules out intense violence, pornography, and gambling. Although the statement does not marry too much with the presence of DOOM and Assassin's Creed, which are not precisely platform titles.

What resolution will Stadia offer?

One of the aspects that Google made most of during the presentation of Stadia was that of its hardware. The equipment behind the curtain and that allow the execution of games. He also talked about his video compression codec and the resolution of his platform. Unlike competing platforms, such as the current PS Now that emits 720p, Google confirmed that Stadia is already, without being official, at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second. In the future, 8K, and 120fps, by the way. But this does not imply that everyone has to play like that. We can play in FullHD and lower resolutions if we do not have enough connection, in addition to being able to download up to 30 frames per second. The full list of recommendations is not available yet.

What connection will I need to play with Stadia?

One of the keys of Stadia is that we are talking about a streaming platform and, therefore, a platform with which we will require a permanent connection. Google has already been responsible for offering a couple of data on the necessary connections, such as to play at 4K and 60fps we will need at least 30Mbps, or to reach FullHD and 60fps will require 25Mbps. But the key is not so much there as in latency. In the ping. As our Xataka eSports colleagues indicate, playing with 50ms of ping is viable, but with 166ms it is totally unfeasible. At least about eSports.

Will I need the command of Stadia or is it worth it with the one I already have?

Here is another of Stadia's keys, and it also becomes crucial when we relate it to latency. Stadia is compatible with USB commands, there will be no significant problem in that. Google added support for the Switch Pro to Chrome OS, for example. But if we look for the minimum latency, we will need the official control of Stadia. Why? Because it will be in charge of offering us the shortest route between our device, whatever it is, and the Stadia servers, thus reducing the latency to the minimum possible. Within what is viable, of course. Of course, the command will be essential to play on TV through the Chromecast.

Will I need a device to play with Stadia?

And we come to another critical point, the console. Or rather, the non-console, because Stadia is a platform accessible from multiple devices for which you will not need to buy any specific hardware. Unless you want to reduce the latency and go to his command, of course. Being streaming, the execution occurs on the server side, and that makes us just put support for the interface. Our mobile, the computer browser, Smart TV or any television with Chromecast will suffice. After all, it will be much more like watching a movie than playing a game. And to watch a movie, any screen works. But as we said before, to play on television, we will need the official command.

What does the Stadia command do that others do not do?

As we have already said, the command of Stadia is the passport to achieve the fastest connection with the servers that contain the precious games. But also, there are a couple of additions made in Google to expand the experience. The first one is the Smart Share button, which allows us to automatically share our game with YouTube. Without having to do anything else. Press and start broadcasting on our channel. The second, the Google Assistant button. We press it, and we can access the assistant of the big G too, for example, ask for help to pass an area in a game. And Assistant will be responsible, also, for example, to show us Youtube videos with the possible solution. Videos that we will see about the game itself, in PiP format, without having to leave it. Oh, and connect with Chromecast.

Can I play multiplayer in Stadia?

Google also dedicated a part of the presentation to talk about the instances. The games are not on our side but on the server side but will allow multiple instances of execution to be opened. That means that in the same game there may be one or many players simultaneously, whether they are at a distance or in our same room. As we talk about streaming from a range, Stadia does not know what "multiplayer at home" is. For the Google platform, all players are on the other side of the world.

What graphics engines will be supported in Stadia?

We could see some games already executed during the presentation itself, games that ran on specific engines such as Unreal, Unity or Havok. But Google was in charge of offering an overview of all the graphics engines supported on its platform, and the list includes practically the entire market. We find Cryengine, Umbra, RAD, Vulkan, AMD, CINEMA, Improbable, food, Face FX and even Silicon Studio. But better we leave you the image on these lines in which all the engines appear.

Can I import my games from other platforms (Steam, Epic Games ...) to Stadia?             

Unfortunately, this is still a question without an answer. Google will make it easier for developers to port their games to Stadia, and the ID Software itself said it had taken "only a few weeks" for DOOM to run correctly in Google's service. Most likely, platform games such as Steam, Epic Games and company will also go around Stadia, but in a parallel version and not with import from our services. Unless we have a new announcement, what we bought on Steam should stay on Steam. Stadia will almost certainly be a monthly subscription.

How much will Stadia cost?

And since we are talking about possibly being a subscription, the question arises about how much Stadia will cost once it is online. The answer is straightforward: we do not know. At present we have the subscription to YouTube Premium for 11.99 euros per month, and given the existing connection between Stadia and YouTube, we could find them united in some kind of pack. This one that writes bets that Stadia + Youtube Premium will cost 19.90 Euros to the month. But it's just a bit, Google has not yet revealed the price. We'll be alert.

When will Stadia officially be launched?

Another unanswered question because we only know that Google plans a new event for summer. Then maybe we know more games than timidly announced, and perhaps we find something more specific as to the date of departure. For now, it will be time to wait for the summer to learn more. Google, do not delay in telling us more things.

Will Stadia be available in my country?

Another of the great questions of Stadia, and that Google has responded although not precisely. We know that Stadia will be online and will be accessible sometime this year 2019 and that it will initially arrive in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe. To which European countries? For now it is an unknown. As in other questions raised so far, we will know more in summer.

Can I create my own games for Stadia?

Of course. Google dedicated part of his presentation to appeal to developers around the world, commenting on the existence of a platform like Stadia.dev in which they would offer documentation and tools for the creation of games in Stadia. Creation, or adaptation, as we remember that ID Software and Ubisoft have already made their first steps carrying existing games to the Google platform. So yes, any developer can upload their games to Stadia. We'll see what the controls that will have to pass, of course, are. In summer we will know more, but we can already request to join the platform. Remember, Stadia.dev .

Will my data be used in any way in Stadia?

We talk about Google, so although the company has not made much official information about Stadia, there is no doubt that our data will be used. The logical thing is that we talk about advertising purposes, as up to now with AdSense, but given that Stadia provides a payment platform, we may find some pleasant surprise. But whatever it is, we will use your servers so they will know what we play, when, how long and with whom. It is unavoidable.

How do you intend to compete against PS Now and Xbox Game Pass, if the great exclusive titles, possibly, do not come out of there?

We said before that ID Software and Ubisoft have already collaborated with Google in the development and optimization of Stadia, but we are talking about studios whose games are launched on different platforms. The logical thing is that the exclusive games of PlayStation and Xbox do not leave their systems, either PS Now, Game Pass or physical games or their digital stores. What is the competition here? The key is that Google does not force us to go through the purchase of a console or any other device, which not only cheapens access but gives us complete freedom of movement and play. If we also talk about a Stadia with a competitive price, it will just depend on the quality of the games. Although maybe it does not even need that.

Leave your doubts in the comments, and we will try to answer any questions we can. This way we will have an article in a constant update. Thanks in advance for your participation?