Despite the closure of its Stadia streaming service, Google is still committed to the gaming industry. After it decided to shut down its streaming service, Google is now turning its attention to Google Cloud - a platform that offers a bundle with a server platform and cloud storage data management, as well as searchable player and game analytics.
Google Shifts Focus from Stadia to Cloud Gaming Platforms
According to the story by Game Spot, Google's streaming service, Stadia, officially shut down in January following the company's decision to no longer pursue the initiative. In its transition from the service, Google has shifted its focus to the cloud gaming platform and other aspects of the industry.
The main focus of the Google Cloud Game Industry solutions team, directed by Jack Buser, is providing gamers with cloud storage data management and server support for live-service games. With these tools, game developers can analyze game and player data and better implement player feedback into their titles.
Making Games Accessible Through Google Cloud: Partnerships with Notable Video Game Companies
Google has already gained notable business partners such as Sega, Square Enix, and Ubisoft to offer their products on the platform. Their products on Google Cloud will also be better integrated into the infrastructure provided.
An example is the partnership with AT&T which allowed users to stream "Batman: Arkham Knight" directly on their browsers, as shared in an article by Engadget. Stadia users who bought games on the service could also transfer their titles to Ubisoft Connect and were refunded their purchases.
Google Cloud's Successful Pivot From Streaming Business
Google has been dedicated to ensuring that its customers were not overly impacted by the decision to discontinue Stadia. Overall, Google Cloud has successfully pivoted from its streaming business, allowing developers the necessary tools to enhance their games.
With the already-present businesses tied in, they have been able to balance the back-end services to make up for the lack of the streaming business. Stephen Totilo shared how Google won't be offering Stadia-style game-streaming to clients.
Google and AT&T's Partnership: Stream Gaming Directly From Your Web Browser
The technology offered includes a bundle with a server platform, cloud storage data management, and searchable player and game analytics. During the shutdown, players could transfer Ubisoft games onto Ubisoft Connect, while those still paying were refunded with due diligence.
Despite this shift away, Google has proven its value in the gaming industry before. In partnership with AT&T, Google enabled customers to stream "Batman: Arkham Knight" directly from their web browser.
The Company Continues to be a Major Player in the Gaming World
Google has even landed deals with several large gaming clients, such as Sega, Square Enix, and Ubisoft. With these facts in hand, it would appear that Google has not fully quit the gaming industry.
It won't be providing the services it once did through Stadia, but it is still a major player in game development. By making its technology available to gaming companies, it hopes it can still help push boundaries in the gaming world.
