Google Stadia & GeForce Now: Coming to iOS as Web Apps

Both Google and Nvidia announced developments concerning their cloud gaming platforms today. Let's begin with Nvidia. GeForce Now is now accessible on iPhones and iPads through a web application. The company indicates this is currently in a beta phase, but users can begin utilizing it by visiting play.geforcenow.com on their iOS devices.

GeForce Now is a cloud gaming platform that utilizes your existing game collection. It allows connections to your Steam, Epic, and Ubisoft Connect accounts, enabling you to play games already purchased on these external platforms—support for GOG is planned for future implementation. GeForce Now is also compatible with macOS, Android, and Windows operating systems.

For a game to be available on GeForce Now, publishers must specifically enable it, meaning not every title in your Steam library will be accessible through the service. However, the current selection of supported games is already substantial.

Currently, access to the Founders edition of the service is priced at $5 per month, providing unlimited playtime. This is an introductory rate, and Nvidia reserves the right to adjust pricing at a later date.

A free account option is also available for testing the service. This tier limits sessions to one hour and utilizes less powerful hardware. Availability is also restricted, with current wait times to launch a game reaching 11 minutes for free account holders.

Adding the web app to your iOS home screen allows for full-screen operation, bypassing the Safari interface. Bluetooth controller connectivity is supported; however, keyboard and mouse input is not currently available.

The company reports ongoing collaboration with Epic Games to develop a touch-optimized version of Fortnite, aiming to re-enable gameplay on iOS devices. This addition has the potential to significantly increase service usage.

Turning to Google, the company has released an update to Stadia, occurring twelve months after its initial launch. Unlike GeForce Now, Stadia functions more similarly to a traditional gaming console, requiring separate game purchases specifically for the platform. The platform currently features a library of one hundred games, with additional titles available through an optional Stadia Pro subscription.

The company states that iOS testing is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks. “This represents the initial stage of our iOS progressive web application. Your feedback during testing will be instrumental in refining the Stadia experience for all users as we evaluate performance and introduce new features. We anticipate this feature becoming available in several weeks,” the company announced.