Google Stadia has had an interesting journey as players were initially excited about the platform but have since been unconvinced by the cloud-based technology. The Stadia platform initially received mixed reviews with many criticizing the pricing model as well as the lack of infrastructure to support the technology globally. Google has now addressed one of these concerns, with a significant drop in the price for the Stadia Premiere package.
Stadia is focused on cloud-based gaming and has promised 4k gaming to its users. Unfortunately, 4k gaming is not always guaranteed, and with Xbox venturing into cloud-based gaming some players have begun to think that the platform may be destined for failure. This is particularly poignant given the history of Google of dropping projects that do not have initial success such as the Google Cloud Print. However, it seems that the platform is still working to attract a player base and the latest cost reduction may tempt gamers.
The cost of Stadia Premiere has been reduced from $129 to $99 and it includes Chromecast Ultra that allows players to connect monitors and the Stadia controller. However, some of the inner-workings of the platform have changed and the trial period of Stadia Pro has been changed from two months to just one, there are also alterations to the buddy pass. The buddy pass is being removed so players will have access to four accounts but not be able to invite friends to try out the technology. While on the surface the changes to the Google Stadia platform price seem positive it may work out as an equalizer for some as the subscription elements change.
Fortunately for Stadia Pro subscribers, there are plenty of games coming to the platform and many are being tempted by Stadia through its free titles. It will be interesting to see if the gaming partnerships the platform has formed since its release, as well as its free offerings through its subscriptions, can make the console a larger player in the gaming market. What is clear is that the Stadia platform is doing a considerable amount to turn the tide on the current situation which raises questions about its future.
Recently Take-Two CEO, Strauss Zelnick, claimed that Stadia over-promised at launch and many will agree that the console did not immediately impress. However, with price reductions, a growing library of games, and an infrastructure that is increasingly equipped for high-resolution cloud gaming, Stadia may still be able to sway consumers.
Source: GameSpot