Google launched its streaming service, Stadia, at the end of last year. There were a lot of promises then, and even more promises made afterward as to what will be available on the platform in relatively short time. Developers working with Google also have talked up the streaming platform. But since launch, the actual updates to Stadia have been some slim pickings. Users aren’t too happy either, with many wondering what is going on with the lack of support. Well, Google has a response… kind of.
In a statement to GamesIndustry, Google points to continued updates from the community forums as proof that they are still hard at work on the service. As far as the promise of more games and announcements, the statement doesn’t give any specifics, basically saying that these things are going to take time and some of it will be up to third parties.
“We understand the desire to hear more specifics on the games,” the company said. “After all, that is what it is about: the games. Of course, not all 120 titles will be announced by the Stadia team, as we leave it up to the publishers to make the announcement about their IP/games, and which platforms it will appear on — just as we will do with the exclusive content coming to Stadia.
“There are a lot of reasons for the time of those game announcements — anything from planned promotions or events, title readiness, proximity to first playable demo, shareholder requirements, etc. We continue to work closely with our publishing and developing partners and are here to support them in all areas. We are excited to share more about some of the exclusive games coming to Stadia soon.”
One of the fears with Stadia prior to launch was that it would become like the many, many Google services that are released and then left for dead in a short time, something the company has unfortunately become infamous for. While it’s a bit early to lump Stadia in that category, it does feel like this initial launch was, at best, a beta phase.