Frederick Jace
Portable gaming has always been something that players have craved, with many wanting to be able to experience traditional game console-style sessions without the need to be stuck in one location.
There have been several gadgets and platforms that have provided promise and the ability to do as such. Google’s Stadia was one of those that got everyone excited when they heard what it had planned to do, as they search engine giants promised high-quality gaming would be made portable and available to everyone.
Smartphones appear to have been able to do this perfectly well, with players able to enjoy a variety of games and use the internet connectivity to even enjoy other titles such as those that can be available at casinos online in Canada. However, Stadia has ultimately failed to deliver.
Many have associated Google’s attempt to enter the portable gaming market as a huge gaming failure. The fact that the service is closed and shows no signs of returning perhaps helps to amplify the opinion held by so many. Why did it fail so badly?
Marketing issues
Was Google Stadia really marketed that well to give itself a chance? Some would argue that it wasn’t. Outside of hardcore gaming enthusiasts, those who perhaps did not keep a close eye on industry news may not have been aware that the platform was even available. With no real marketing behind it, and other options being pushed via their own campaigns, Google only really has itself to blame.
Technical problems continued to persist
For those that actually decided to try it out when it was made available, most found that there were technical issues that needed sorting. There were instances of players finding bugs and glitches during a gameplay session with certain titles. At the same time, Google Stadia’s performance was heavily criticized as it was not of a standard that would be conducive to quality gaming sessions. Many complained of lags and other technical issues that were because of the hardware used.
Cost
Cost is always a significant factor that needs to be considered when a product or service works or fails. Indeed, it undoubtedly played its role in Stadia’s demise. The platform required players to pay a monthly subscription, and this became a cost that many found unjustifiable. There were various games in the library that would require purchasing on top of the subscription service, while some of those offered were available elsewhere for free.
Lack of options
Aside from the fact that there were many that found it hard to justify the monthly subscription because alternatives were available, the fact that there wasn’t an extensive library of games to choose from simply did Google no favors. Players would have expected to see more options on the platform, but they were met with many that were already playable elsewhere, thus making it difficult for them to get on board with what Stadia was offering.
Verdict
Google’s foray into the gaming industry resulted in arguably one of the biggest failures to have ever been experienced. Despite the fact that they have a huge brand name, most will not have associated the company with gaming, especially if they were not notified of the brand’s decision to diversify into this sector.
