Google Stadia Has Reportedly Been Deprioritized, Might Become ‘Google Stream’

Since its launch, Google Stadia has been fighting a difficult battle. It was a new technology, and that is always difficult even for companies like Google. But, its launch did not make streaming game-related waves. The service was launched just a year prior to the anticipated launch of the new consoles Xbox Series X/S or PlayStation 5. Shortly after that launch, Google declared it would stop first-party gaming development and close two of its Stadia studios. 

Now, the latest nail in Stadia’s coffin is reportedly being hammered in, as reported by Business Insider. According to Business Insider’s new report, Google is attempting to salvage the Stadia service under the new name of “Google Stream.” At the same time, Stadia has reportedly been “deprioritized” within Google and the company has reduced interest in securing third-party deals in gaming for the streaming service. 

Instead, Google’s main goal with the service is now business related. Google is trying sell Google Stream, its service, to other tech firms. Business InsiderGoogle began conversations last year, according to reports, with Peloton exercise bicycle company in an effort to deliver back-end streaming technology via Stream. Google apparently did the same thing with Bungie last summer, because the company wanted its own streaming platform. This was likely less for consumers and players, but more for developers who work remotely. 

Business Insider also reports that Google closed a deal with AT&T, which is how AT&T customers were able to stream Batman: Arkham Knight in their web browsers last year, and it attempted to secure another deal with Capcom. Capcom was looking to enable players to stream demos from its site in that case. 

Google replied to Business Insider when asked about this report and here’s what they had to say: 

“We announced our intentions of helping publishers and partners deliver games directly to gamers last year, and have been working toward that. The first manifestation has been our partnership with AT&T who is offering Batman: Arkham Knight available to their customers for free. While we won’t be commenting on any rumors or speculation regarding other industry partners, we are still focused on bringing great games to Stadia in 2022. With 200+ titles currently available, we expect to have another 100+ games added to the platform this year, and currently have 50 games available to claim in Stadia Pro.” 

You can read more about it here Business Insider’sFull report. Full report. Game Informer’s You can read our Google Stadia review to learn more about the decision by Google to stop first-party games development for its streaming service. You should also check this article about Google Stadia’s expansion to Android TV OS devices. 

[Source: Business Insider]

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