Google launched a new cloud based game-streaming service Stadia, for streaming and playing games

United States: Google took a big step into video game market by launching Stadia, which is a service for streaming and playing games from the cloud without requiring a hard copy. As per the announcement, this service will cost $10 per month and will be offering 22 games. In addition to this, Google will try to tie Stadia with its other services, such as YouTube and its digital assistant. Ultimately, when the consumer inclination starts increasing towards Google services, the company will tend to collect more data regarding user habits to show more ads targeted towards those interests. Stadia is not meant for console. PCs with Google’s Chrome browser or Google-made devices are required for game streaming such as Chromecast TV streaming device, Chromebook laptop, or a Pixel phone and it won’t work with other devices or platforms. For now, Stadia has been launched in 14 countries, including the Canada, United States, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and Italy and will be further launched in more countries next year.

Google stated that, “Video game streaming typically requires a strong connection and more computing power than simply streaming a video, as there is real-time interaction between the player and game. It is tapping its massive data centers to power the system.”

According to TechSci Research, technological companies like Google are shifting their focus from physical hardware and games to digital downloads for instance Netflix in video and Spotify in music. Such an approach will let the gamers to play from a variety of devices without even spending money for buying these expensive games. To achieve this, tech companies must compete with gaming stalwarts Sony and Microsoft as they have more than decades of experience in gaming industry.

For instance, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass, worth $10 per month offers more than 100 games on the Xbox console without any additional payable amount. Moreover, Microsoft is also working on a streaming service, Project xCloud and has streaming ambitions of its own.

Furthermore, Sony’s PlayStation, which is now available at $10 a month, enables the users to stream as well as download games on their PlayStation 4 console.

Apart from this, Apple is also stepping into the game-subscription business with Apple Arcade. The users can download several games to play on their iPads and iPhones by subscribing $5-a-month service. Apple’s Arcade lets user to download games which can be played offline, but Stadia does not. Google is competing on this front, too, with a separate subscription called Google Play Pass.

According to the report published by TechSci Research, “India Online Game Market By Device (Mobile, PC and Console), By Player Format (Single Player and Multi-player), By Game Model (Free to Play, In-app Purchases and DVD Games), Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2024”, India online game market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 23% during the forecast period, on account of increasing smartphone user base, rising internet penetration and rising disposable income. Another factor which is directly impacting the market is age demographics. Major population in the country is young and below 26 years of age, which is the major age group segment in the online game market. Generally, gamers engage in gaming for stress relief and social interaction. Owing to the aforementioned factors, online game market in India is expected to register strong growth during the forecast period.