Google’s Stadia cloud gaming service is still riddled with limitations, but one of the biggest hurdles to adoption may have just disappeared: you no longer need a specific Android phone to give it a try. Google is experimentally opening up support to any Android phone that can install the Stadia app, which means most devices with Android 6.0 or later should fit the bill.
(The Verge, June 11)
Maurice Klaehne's key takeaways:
- Google is trying to drive scale by pivoting the service offering to be more broadly attractive.
- Although this shifts the service away from an overall “hardcore” gaming experience, this may be the right move based on mobile consumption patterns and the success we’ve seen with Fortnight and PUBG.
- If we see adoption ticking up, look for Stadia to explore similar offerings through different game partnerships.