Google shut down the servers of its cloud gaming service this week. On the other hand, the company still allows to play with the Stadia controller: games available through Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now, for example?…
Less than 4 years after its launch, Stadia, Google’s cloud gaming platform, closed its servers forever this week. Google made this decision on September 29, announcing that “Stadia servers will be deactivated on January 18, 2023.” On this point, the company, which declared in March 2019 during the presentation of its service that “the future of video games does not lie in a console”, kept its promises.
2019 ©Google
2023 ©Google
Presumably burdened by a strange economic model that required service users to pay for both the subscription and the games — games limited to the Stadia platform — Google’s cloud gaming service therefore failed to find its audience. The Mountain View giant therefore leaves the field to its main competitors, Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA’s GeForce Now; to a lesser extent, Sony PlayStation Plus Premium, limited to PlayStation games, and Shadow, which isn’t just a cloud gaming service, but full access to a PC in the cloud.
Cloud gaming comparison: Enjoy your PC and console games from anywhere in 2023
Switch the Stadia Controller to Bluetooth mode
As reported above, Stadia’s business model was largely based around buying games from its store. Starting November 9th, Google will refund purchases of titles, extensions, and content. In principle, all customers have now received their money.
Google also offered a Stadia controller. The company offers holders to switch to Bluetooth mode to make it compatible with other devices. Simply download a software update from this address. The company clarifies that “you must be using Chrome 108 or later to put the Stadia Controller in Bluetooth mode.” Customers have until December 31, 2023 to “switch to Bluetooth mode, check controller mode and see if Bluetooth updates are available.” Finally it is also possible to play wired via USB.
Source: Google