Google Unveils the Stadia
Given how much gaming has transitioned from analogue to digital in recent years, it was only a matter of time until someone took the plunge into producing a fully digital gaming console.
Enter Google and the Stadia. Officially revealed at GDC 2019, the new hardware was touted as being a streaming platform as opposed to a traditional console. With it, players could play games, stream them to viewers or watch other streamers on most any type of screen with little to no hassle.
To top it all off, the new hardware had the backing of major publishers and developers like Square Enix and Ubisoft, with notable titles from the companies available on the platform at launch.
It was a huge step forward on two accounts. On one hand, Google had finally thrown its hat into the video game console ring, bringing all of its resources and pull throughout the tech world with it.
On the other hand, it also brought the gaming landscape forward in a big way. Successful at launch or no, the introduction of a fully digital streaming platform for games brought with it major implications for the gaming industry, many of which will reverberate throughout the industry and culture for years to come.
