Here at Game Developers Conference (GDC), Google announced their new gaming service called Google Stadia. Basically a Netflix-for games, Stadia let users stream games from the cloud instead of using a gaming rig or console. The example Google used during the presentation was a user watching a video on YouTube of Halo gameplay, from there the user can instantly stream the game. The service will launch late 2019 on Phones (most likely Androids), tablets, Chrome laptops, and Chromecast.

They also a Stadia controller (not required to use). Which to be honest, look like the Sony Dual shock and the Xbox Controller has a baby:

Controller comes in Black, White and a cream white option. Google said they plan to support console controllers as well.

So where does this leave the competitors?

Microsoft:  Microsoft is going be launching a a Xbox Streaming service dubbed xCloud. Like Google they have the server infrastructure to support such a service. My guess is they might integrate it into their rumored discless Xbox S launching later this year.

Amazon: They are rumored to launch a game streaming service as well. They don’t have a dedicated console on the market at the moment. Fire TV integration? Maybe? They definitely have the resources and servers with AWS.

Sony: Sony does not have the server infrastructure compared to Google, Microsoft and Amazon. I’m predicting  they will stay with traditional consoles, their IP is great though, so they don’t really have to worry.

Nintendo: In the same boat as Sony. They have a fantastic IP selection, so it will push their consoles. Though Nintendo is known to be a secondary player and not compete head on in the console wars. For example you might have a Xbox and a Switch, or a PS4 and a Switch. So in this case I can see users signing to a game streaming service and having a Nintendo console for their Nintendo games.  They’ll be fine.

With all these streaming services users will need a solid internet connection in order to play seamless. Which will also be a factor in how successful these service will be.

Let me know your thoughts!

John,