Google unveils Stadia gaming platform

Google claims its new service will free players from the limitations of traditional consoles and PCs

Google has unveiled a new gaming platform that will enable users to stream and play console-quality games on any type of screen.

Announced at the Games Developers Conference on Tuesday, Google Stadia will work with TVs, laptops, desktops, tablets and smartphones.

The Internet giant said it wants to deliver instant access to popular games and "free players from the limitations of traditional consoles and PCs".

It plans to make games available in resolutions of up to 4K and 60 frames per second, while offering HDR and surround sound support.

In a blog post, Google Stadia vice president Phil Harrison said: "To build Stadia, we've thought deeply about what it means to be a gamer and worked to converge two distinct worlds: people who play video games and people who love watching them.

"Stadia will lift restrictions on the games we create and play— and the communities who enjoy them.

"When players use Stadia, they'll be able to access their games at all times, and on virtually any screen. And developers will have access to nearly unlimited resources to create the games they've always dreamed of."

Stadia is powered by Google's existing network of global datacentres, along with a hardware stack comprised of server class GPU, CPU, memory and storage.

However, the company said that what will set the system apart is its integration with other Google services. For example, if a user is watching a game-related video on YouTube, they could quickly play it with the press of a button.

"If you watch one of your favorite creators playing Assassin's Creed Odyssey, simply click the "play now" button.Seconds later, you'll be running around ancient Greece in your own game/on your own adventure—no downloads, no updates, no patches and no installs," explained Harrison.

While this is a streaming service, Google has also announced a physical controller. In terms of appearance, it doesn't look much different from any other gamepad - but sports buttons for instant capture and Google Assistant.

The instant capture button will likely prove a popular feature because it allows users to save and share 4K gameplay on YouTube.

Harrison added: "Using Google's vast experience, reach and decades of investment we're making Stadia a powerful gaming platform for players, developers and YouTube content creators—of all sizes. We're building a playground for every imagination.

Google plans to roll out Stadia in the US, Canada, UK and other European countries later this year, although there's no word on pricing at this stage.