Google’s Cloud Gaming Service – Stadia

Sebastian Gould, Staff Writer

These days, when we think of “gaming” laptops, we think of beefy, sharp-edged, flashy machines that look like they were sent by an advanced alien race to destroy humanity. No matter how well one knows computers, rolling up to school or work with a “gaming” machine is often a statement, like pulling up in a Ferrari. But what if you could get all the power of a beefy portable battlestation in the likes of a rentable Chromebook? What if sending your laptop to Mr. Foreman for repairs and using a loaner laptop could actually increase the quality of your gaming experience? What happened if you rolled up to the drag track with a Prius and still paced with all of the custom, tricked-out supercars? Well, that’s a reality Google will be putting to the test with their new Stadia game-streaming service.

Rumored to open to the public sometime this year, Stadia offers an alternative to investing in expensive gaming hardware to get your 4k 120 FPS Apex Legends dose. Instead of spending a grand on a dedicated battlestation or laptop, you can keep whatever laptop you’ve got now and instead pay a regular fee to Google, and play wherever you’ve got a strong Internet connection. The experience will feel very similar to the popular GeForce Now service NVidia rolled out a year ago, sweeping Oratory instantly, except games can be played right from Google’s ubiquitous Chrome browser. Soon, instead of Club Penguin or Chess, the lads of Oratory Prep will be gathering together to play the latest triple-A titles – whether it’s on a loaner Chromebook or a beefy battlestation.