While Google’s Stadia platform continues to be criticized for its ineffectiveness in the market, the video game streaming service has yet to truly offer definitive reason for more users to play on it. While cloud-based services are being ushered into normalcy, it is not easily accessible with high-speed internet still unachievable for millions across the globe. But before Stadia could begin to run, Google kicked one leg from under the table.
In that, the internal game studios for Stadia Games and Entertainment were closed. So upcoming projects that were established with prominent developers and any ventures that was planned with its first-party developers were shelved for eternity. Most surprising of all is the lack of reason for the abrupt decision made by Google to pull the plug.
That was until a recent report from Kotaku. Gathered from former employees of the internal teams that once was Stadia Games and Entertainment, it is revealed that Phil Harrison, Stadia Vice President & General Manager, and other higher-ups called the cut on the operation which revolves around Microsoft’s acquisition of Zenimax Media.
According to the statement from one anonymous developer that partook in a staff Q&A with Harrison, it is quickly learned that Google held its own ambitions to acquire the video game firm. The acquisition was said to take place later on in 2021, but the realization of Microsoft’s advancements ahead of Google ultimately shuttered any pursuit to further keep Stadia Games and Entertainment alive.
In the same call, Harrison did also point towards the COVID-19 pandemic to be at fault for the decision to end Stadia’s internal development teams. On behalf of those affected by the decision, many were left with little understanding when details first broke following a glowing email from Harrison prior.
“[Stadia Games and Entertainment] has made great progress building a diverse and talented team and establishing a strong lineup of Stadia exclusive games. We will confirm the SG&E investment envelope shortly, which will, in turn, inform the SG&E strategy and 2021 [objectives and key results],” the email Harrison sent in late January issues.
In regards to Stadia and Google projects falling through, the same can now be said for Terraria coming to the platform. In that, on developer responsible for the mentioned title tells he pulled the port from development following his email and account ultimately being lost on Google’s behalf. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you surprised by Google’s decision to close Stadia Games and Entertainment?
Source: Kotaku
