Stadia is a cloud gaming service developed and operated by Google. It is advertised to be capable of streaming video games up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with support for high-dynamic-range, to players via the company’s numerous data centers. It is accessible through the Google Chrome web browser on personal computers, supported smartphones, as well as Chrome OS tablets and Chromecast for TV support. There is also an experimental mode with support for all Android devices capable of installing the Stadia mobile app. Google announced plans for an iOS browser-based progressive web application for Stadia in November 2020.
The service is integrated with YouTube, and its “state share” feature allows Stadia players to launch a supported game from a save state shared by another player via permalink. It is compatible with various non-Stadia game controllers through USB and Bluetooth. Stadia requires users to purchase games from its store in order to stream them. While the base service is otherwise free, a Pro tier monthly subscription allows users to stream in up to 4K resolution, 5.1 surround sound, and offers a growing collection of free games that the user has access to while they are subscribed. Both tiers allow users to play online multiplayer without any additional costs.
Known in development as Project Stream, the service debuted through a closed beta running Assassin’s Creed Odyssey in October 2018. Stadia publicly launched on November 19, 2019, in select countries and initially received a mixed reception from reviewers. On April 8, 2020, Google launched the no-cost base service of Stadia. The service competes with Sony’s PlayStation Now, Nvidia’s GeForce Now, Amazon‘s Luna, and Microsoft‘s Xbox Cloud Gaming.
