Google Stadia Game Studios Shut Down

Upon the initial unveiling of Google’s Stadia, its cloud-based gaming platform, the company simultaneously revealed the establishment of an in-house game development team. Stadia Games and Entertainment was intended to produce games available solely on the new service. However, Google has altered its strategy and is now discontinuing its internal game studios.

“With our attention directed toward enhancing the established technology of Stadia and strengthening our collaborations with business partners, we have determined to cease additional investment in developing exclusive content from our internal SG&E development group, beyond projects currently in the final stages of planning,” stated Phil Harrison, VP and GM of Google Stadia, in a published blog post.

Notably, the company had not yet launched a single game under the Stadia name before deciding to end this venture. This decision is unusual considering Google’s substantial financial commitments to this area. The company initially established a studio in Montreal, Canada, and also acquired Typhoon Studios. Subsequently, another studio was opened in Los Angeles.

Jade Raymond was the executive in charge of Google’s first-party studios. She possesses over 15 years of experience within the video game industry. Previously, she served as a producer at Ubisoft in Montreal, contributing to the early installments of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. She also held a position at Electronic Arts working on a Star Wars video game that was ultimately not released.

The announcement today also signifies Raymond’s departure from Google. Other personnel at Google employed by Stadia Games and Entertainment will be transitioning to different positions within the company.

Stadia’s future direction will center on games from third-party developers. The company highlights the popularity of titles like Cyberpunk 2077 on its cloud gaming service, which allows users to initiate the game on a server located in a nearby data center and stream the video output to their chosen device.

Many observers may anticipate a potential shutdown of Stadia itself, given Google’s history of discontinuing numerous services. The company is attempting to provide reassurance regarding its commitment.

“We remain dedicated to the future of cloud gaming and will continue to contribute to the advancement of this industry. Our primary objective is to deliver the optimal platform for gamers and technology for our partners, making these experiences accessible to individuals globally,” Harrison explained.

However, the question remains: do you find this statement convincing?