The gaming industry has become the biggest player in the entertainment industry. Even Hollywood has bowed down to its might as the gaming industry is now estimated to be worth over $138 billion dollars. With all the major technology companies having some sort of share of this big pie, it was only a matter of time when Google entered the market. With the announcement of its first-ever keynote at GDC conference in San Francisco scheduled for this week, there is a lot of speculation about Google’s plan for the gaming industry.
Why it Makes Sense for Google to Launch a Gaming Subscription?
Till now we were only hypothesizing about a new gaming subscription service that Google is supposed to be launching at GDC. While most of our speculation depends on numerous leaks and rumors that have accumulated over the past few months, there is some credible information out there which makes our prediction more likely to be true.
Gather around as we unveil Google’s vision for the future of gaming at #GDC19. Join us live 3/19 at 10 a.m. PT → https://t.co/rb6fN26PDi pic.twitter.com/Vd242KZAWO
The survey even divulges the prospective pricing of the subscription service and showcases the types of games that will be included in it. For a fee of $7.99/month, the service will offer games like Monument Valley, Sonic the Hedgehog, Star Wars, Lego Jurassic World, Stardew Valley, and more. If this survey is any indication, we should see the launch of new game subscription service launch at GDC 2019.
Of course, it’s quite possible that Google’s new game subscription service is still in the works and tomorrow’s event is for something different altogether. So let’s consider other possibilities and speculate what Google might launch at GDC tomorrow.
As media distribution, both audio and video, has moved towards subscription, it only makes sense that the gaming industry moves in the same direction. In fact, it makes even more sense for the gaming industry. With AAA titles requiring top of the line hardware to run comfortably, not many users around the world are able to afford such systems. It will make more sense if users can just stream games over the internet and don’t have to worry about buying expensive hardware and upgrading it every other year.
The signs of a new cloud game streaming service from Google have been obvious. Just recently, it showcased its game streaming capabilities under Project Stream. The video uploaded on Google’s YouTube channels shows a recorded stream of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The video shows that the game was streamed in 1080p at 60 FPS and looks fabulous. Google said that it partnered with Ubisoft to test its Project Stream and if the video is any indication, it is going to be quite good.
While Google is not going to release a gaming console, it is speculated that it will release gaming accessories. We can say with certainty that a Google-branded gaming controller is coming. Just a week back, a patent reveal showcased that a new Google controller is in the works. The patent which is available at the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s website showcases a controller which looks a futuristic version of Sony’s Play Station controller. Apart from normal controls, Google is offering extra buttons for accessing Google-specific features.
Apart from the controller, Google should also be launching some kind of dongle which will let users access the streaming service. Google already sells Chromecast which allows users to cast media from their phone to their TV. It won’t be surprising if the company launched a Chromecast device for gaming.
At launch, the service will come with very limited games. But before you despair, remember that Nintendo Switch launched only with one big title which was “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”. Also, Google can choose from a huge selection of really good mobile games. Combine these games with one or two AAA titles and I think the game selection will be good enough for the early days of launch.
This just in!
BREAKING NEWS
— Google Developers (@googledevs) March 13, 2019
