How to get a Google Stadia refund for games and hardware

Such is the downstream effect of gaming’s recent pivot away from physical media: Google is shutting down Stadia, its beleaguered game-streaming platform, in January 2023. In other words, if you’re a Stadia user, you’ll effectively be unable to play any Stadia games you own. You can still get your refund, but that’s okay!

It’s been a rocky three years for Stadia, which Google first rolled out in 2019 to a mix of intrigue and skepticism. Stadia was designed to change the way people play video games. It allows players to stream popular games from any console or PC. Its reach was limited by a small game selection and confusing pricing models. As such, Stadia never took off like the competition: Microsoft’s Game Pass program or, more recently, Sony’s revamped PlayStation Plus membership, both of which include game streaming components.

Kotaku published a February 2021 report that Google had closed its game-development studios within the company. This was interpreted by some as the start of the end for the industry. Google was reported to have paid staggering amounts of money for third-party software like Minecraft. Red Dead Redemption 2 onto Stadia didn’t help its reputation. It was also hurt by the departure of execs. This July, amid a wave of rumors about Stadia’s imminent closure, Google assured fans the service wasn’t going anywhere.

Welp.

Of course, a move as significant as this raises key questions like, “Will I get a refund for my Stadia games?” (yes) and “Can I ever trust a tech giant with a long track record of starting ambitious projects before abandoning them again?” (your call). Here’s everything you need to know about the process.

What time will Stadia be closed?

Stadia will close for good Jan. 18, 2023Google explained the transition period in a blog posting.

Where can I find out how to receive refunds?

Google is offering refunds for any Stadia purchases — whether video games, post-release expansions, or physical hardware — made through the Google Store. And if the credit or debit card you initially used is no longer active, Google says it’ll email you at a later date to coordinate your refunds.

Most hardware, like the Stadia controller — which is, all things considered, a pretty solid gamepad — made directly via Google won’t need to be physically returned. These requests will not be processed by brick-and mortar locations of Google Store, or other retailers who have sold Stadia items, such as Best Buy. You can keep any existing Stadia hardware for now.

It’s unclear if the refunds will get issued automatically. (“Offering” sure suggests players will need to be proactive in getting refunds.) When reached for comment, representatives for Google redirected Polygon toward Stadia boss Phil Harrison’s blog post announcing the shutdown.

Stadia Pro subscriptions are affected?

Nope. That said, if you’re currently signed up, you’ll be able to continue enjoying the perks — namely the “free” games — of an active subscription through the end of Stadia’s lifetime.

What’s gonna happen to my Stadia save data?

If a Stadia game supports cross-progression — like Destiny 2 — you’ll be able to make use of its internal cross-save systems. If not, sorry, you’re SOL.

What should I do if I want to purchase microtransactions in Stadia over the next several months?

No.