Despite two major events, much remains unclear about the nature of the Google Stadia video game streaming service. E3 2019 is the perfect opportunity for Google to provide further details and VP/GM Phil Harrison followed through. Speaking to Geoff Keighley during Youtube's E3 2019 coverage, Harrison confirmed that Google Stadia will be exploring the idea of publisher-only subscriptions on the streaming service. More information about Google's plans with other publishers will be revealed, "in due course."
According to Harrison describes how soon enough publishers will be, "starting to think about their own subscriptions," on Google Stadia. "We support that on our platform," he adds, while also confirming that, "we'll see some announcements in due course around that."
Harrison doesn't name any names or offer a time frame, unfortunately. Really, Harrison didn't extrapolate on the idea at all, so specifics remain confusing like much about Google Stadia. It's unclear whether we might hear something in the coming E3 press conferences or if we'll have to wait for Google Stadia's launch later this year, for example. It's unclear if publisher subscriptions would be standalone or if they'd require Google Stadia's Pro $9.99, or if both will available just at 1080p/4K respectively. Much remains unclear.
Nevertheless, it's admittedly an interesting idea. One common complaint about modern subscription services, video services like Netflix included, is that there's just too much content that's not interesting to the subscriber. Allowing someone to choose a more specific subscription, like say subscribing to a single sports channel like ESPN instead of a more sports package with multiple channels, will always be preferable.
While Harrison wasn't willing to divulge any more information about potential publisher-specific subscriptions for Google Stadia, some speculation can be done based off of existing details. Publishers currently supporting Google Stadia to a meaningful degree include Ubisoft with Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Bethesda with Doom Eternal, Take-Two with Borderlands 3, and THQ Nordic. Ubisoft, in particular, is well known for participating in more experimental ideas. But any of these publishers could reasonably be interested in such a service. How successful they'd each prove is another matter entirely.
Google Stadia releases in November. Stay tuned for more information about Google Stadia, its subscriptions, and ever-expanding game library during E3 2019 and in the weeks and months to come.
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun
