It appears Google is preparing a proper entry to the gaming world. The company is planning to hold an event related to gaming at the upcoming Game Developers Conference, or GDC, next month.
Google has started sending invites via email to members of the press, coaxing them to "gather around" for its GDC keynote. There's precious little information aside from a date: Google says "all will be revealed" March 19 at 10 a.m. PST or 1 p.m. EST.
Included in the invite is an animated GIF of an eerie-looking hallway with flickering light at the end of it. Below is the GIF in question, courtesy of The Verge.
Google GDC Event
GDC isn't uncharted territory for Google as the company has participated in the event many times in the past, but only in a developer-focused capacity — usually it's news and changes related to Android gaming. This year will be different as it appears Google has gaming-focused announcements up its sleeve.
There's an easy guess as to what Google might show at the event: its Project Stream service, which it's has been working on for the past six months. Project Stream is a video game streaming service that lets Chrome users stream video games using only their browser.
Video Game Streaming Service
Assassin's Creed Odyssey was the first game Google tested on the service, and it was offered for free this past December to anyone who plays at least one hour on PC or Mac. Most likely Google has more to say about Project Stream next month. More games will arrive on the service as Google applies the finishing touches. With public tests concluding last month, the company might finally be ready to make it into a full-fledged game streaming service.
Google stands poised to compete with big names in the gaming world if it's taking this direction. Sony, Nvidia, Microsoft, and even Amazon are all apparently heading there as well. Microsoft has xCloud, public trials for which begin later this year. Amazon appears to be laying the groundwork for its own game streaming service, while both Sony and Nvidia are already streaming games over the cloud.
Is streaming the next big thing in the video game industry? It's hard to tell for now, but the logic behind it makes sense. After all, cloud-based services have now become more appealing than traditional ones. For it to prosper, the technology must be flawless. With companies like those involved, the future certainly looks promising.
