stadia
Software Type: cloud gaming service
Developer: Google
Release Date: 2019, November 19
Fate: Discontinued (18 January 2023)
Supported Platform: Chromecast Ultra, Android TV, PC (with Google Chrome and other Chromium-based web browsers), ChromeOS mobile devices, Android mobile devices (with Stadia mobile app)
Servers Hardware:
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CPU: custom Intel x86 2.7 GHz, AVX2, 9.5 MB cache (L2+L3)
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GPU: AMD Vega, HBM2, 56 CUs (10.7 TFLOPS)
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RAM: 16 GB
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Storage: SSD
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Servers OS: Debian Linux
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Graphics API: Vulkan
User Dedicated Hardware: Stadia Controller
User Internet Bandwidth Required for Video and Audio Quality:
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10 Mbit/s:
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Video Quality: 720p, 60 FOS
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Audio Quality: Stereo
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20 Mbit/s:
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Video Quality: 1080p HDR, 60 FPS
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Audio Quality: 5.1 Surround
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35 Mbit/s:
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Video Quality: 4K HDR, 60 FPS
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Audio Quality: 5.1 Surround
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Stadia was a cloud gaming service developed and operated by Google launched in November 2019 and shut down permanently
on January 18, 2023, at 11:59 PM PST.
Stadia was capable of streaming video games to players from the company's numerous data centers at up to 4K resolution
and 60 frames per second, with support for high-dynamic-range (HDR) video. It offered the option to purchase games from its store, along with a selection of free-to-play games. While the base service was free and allowed users stream at resolutions up to 1080p, a Stadia Pro monthly subscription allowed for a maximum resolution of 4K, 5.1 surround sound, HDR, and offered a growing collection of free games that—once claimed—remained in the user's library whenever they had an active subscription. Both tiers allowed users to play online multiplayer games without any additional costs. Stadia was integrated with YouTube, and its "state share" feature allowed players to launch a supported game from a save state shared by another player via permalink. The service supported Google's proprietary Stadia game controller, along with various non-Stadia controllers through USB and Bluetooth connections. While Stadia could use any HID-class USB controller, Google developed its own controller, which connected via the user's Wi-Fi directly to the Google data center in which the game was running, to reduce input latency. Google was also exploring further ways to reduce latency, involving the prediction of user input through various means, so that any apparent network lag between controller and game response was minimized. Google confirmed that the controller would also feature Google Assistant, which would automatically search YouTube for relevant, helpful videos related to the game the user was playing.
Stadia offered two tiers of service: a free level (initially at launch known as "Stadia Base" but after April 2020, simply "Stadia"),
and a monthly subscription Stadia Pro level. The free Stadia level limited the video stream resolution to 1080p. The Pro tier, costing approximately US$10 per month, allowed users higher streaming rates, up to 4K resolution, access to a library of free games over time, and discounts on other games offered for Stadia.
