Stadia''s approach to streaming games for consumers was built on a robust technological foundation, but it hasn''t gained the audience we expected, prompting Google''s to begin terminating the service. Stadia''s conclusion comes on January 18, 2023, less than four years after its public launch on November 19, 2019.
Harrison thanked players who supported Google Stadia and promised that it would refund users who purchased hardware through the Google Store and the content through the Stadia Store. Although Stadia was a game streaming service that was generally independent of device selection, players may purchase a special Stadia controller and a Chromecast Ultra for an improved experience. The only purchases who qualify for a refund are Stadia Pro subscriptions. According to a FAQ, the service will continue to open until January 18th.
While the consumer-facing component of the service is on its way out, Harrison noted that the technology platform that drives it is demonstrated and has further use outside games. In fact, when Google shut down its in-house development studios in early 2021, it said that it would offer Stadia as a platform for third-party gaming. In the wake of its announcement, platforms like Microsoft and Sony improved their offerings, including with the introduction of PlayStation Now into the PS Plus subscription platforms.
Stadia has officially terminated its service on January 18, 2023.
