Google Stadia, the cloud gaming service, is shutting down its internal game development studio, Stadia Games and Entertainment, due to a lack of immediate success in the gaming industry. The company plans to focus on building the Stadia technology and platform and partnering with bigger game developers and publishers. The move has been described as a setback for the cloud gaming industry, but it could be a wise move for Google Stadia to avoid the risk of investing heavily in game development. Stadia currently has plans to launch more than 100 games on its platform in 2021.
Google Stadia Shutting Down Gaming Studio and Refocusing on Platform
Introduction
Google Stadia, the cloud gaming service launched by Google in 2019, has announced that it is shutting down its internal game development studio, Stadia Games and Entertainment.
Reasons Behind the Shutdown
The main reason behind the shutdown of Stadia Games and Entertainment is the lack of immediate success in the gaming industry. According to Phil Harrison, Vice President and General Manager of Google Stadia, the company has decided to focus on building the Stadia technology and platform, rather than creating games for it.
He added that they see an important opportunity to work with partners to drive the gaming industry forward, and that they remain committed to Stadia’s future as a platform. According to Harrison, Stadia currently has more than 100 games set to launch on the platform in 2021.
Impact on the Industry
The move by Google Stadia to shut down its internal game development studio has been described as a setback for the cloud gaming industry, as many saw Stadia as a possible game changer in the industry.
However, the decision to focus on the platform rather than creating games for it could be a wise move, as it allows Stadia to partner with bigger game developers and publishers, and also avoids the risk of investing heavily in game development only to have it fail in the market.
Conclusion
The shutdown of Stadia Games and Entertainment is a bold move by Google Stadia, but one that could ultimately benefit the company in the long run. By focusing on the platform, Stadia can leverage its technology and partnerships to become a major player in the cloud gaming industry.