Google has announced that it will cease to create exclusive content for Stadia, its cloud-gaming platform. Instead of creating games exclusives for Stadia, Google will focus its efforts on third party development.
"In 2021, we're expanding our efforts to help game developers and publishers take advantage of our platform technology and deliver games directly to their players," Phil Harrison, Vice President and GM, Google Stadia, said in a statement. "We see an important opportunity to work with partners seeking a gaming solution all built on Stadia's advanced technical infrastructure and platform tools. We believe this is the best path to building Stadia into a long-term, sustainable business that helps grow the industry."
Harrison went on to say that Google has "decided that we will not be investing further in bringing exclusive content from our internal development team SG&E, beyond any near-term planned games." Jade Raymond, who was over Stadia Games and Entertainment, has exited the company to pursue other opportunities.
The statement ends by reassuring Stadia gamers that they can continue to play all their current Stadia and Stadia Pro games, and third party titles will also continue to be made available. "We're committed to the future of cloud gaming, and will continue to do our part to drive this industry forward," Harrison continued. "Our goal remains focused on creating the best possible platform for gamers and technology for our partners, bringing these experiences to life for people everywhere."
Launched in November 2019, Stadia is Google's cloud gaming service that utilizes Chromecast, Chrome and a Stadia mobile app to stream games.
Source: Google