Google released its video game streaming platform back on November 19, 2019 for it’s founding members with the idea that a free version will be available soon (TM). Well guys that soon is now as Google announced a few days ago that anyone with a Gmail account could sign up with two months free of Google Stadia pro. Sounds great right? Well, that depends on what they are really offering. I have compiled a list of things we think you should know before diving into Google’s world of cloud gaming so you can decide for yourself if this deal is great.
It is a two-month trial period for pro.
What players are signing up for right now is a two month trial period for Google Stadia Pro. This isn’t a bad thing, so many subscription services do a free trial period with the idea that you will continue to keep paying. Anyone with a Gmail account can sign up, but they do require a card on file to do so. The idea is that after the two months are up they will charge this card for the $9.99 cost to keep the subscription going.
It is important to make note that if you fail to cancel before the time is up and the charge goes through you won’t receive a refund but you do get to continue the Stadia pro access until the time runs out. My best suggestion is if you want to eventually cancel before the end of the trial period, set up an event in your phone to remind you just before the two-month mark hits. You can always resign back up for the subscription service in the future if you want to.
What games can you play?
The two-month free version of Google Stadia will give players access to 9 games. These include Destiny 2: The Collection, GRID, Gylt, SteamWorld Dig 2, SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech, Serious Sam Collection, Spitlings, Stacks On Stacks (On Stacks), and Thumper. Of this list only two are currently exclusive to the platform, Gylt and Spitlings and neither scream must play to me. Any of the other games you can find on Stadia will need to be purchased.
Be mindful that once your two-month trial period is up that all access to the free games will go away. This also includes any additional content you have purchased for them. However, the games you do purchase will always be available for you to play so don’t worry about losing those. It is just important to keep in mind that if you want to have continued access to the free games you will need to keep the subscription going.
What can you play on?
The nice thing about Google Stadia is that it is available on multiple platforms which means players can start a game in one place and pick it up somewhere else. However, there are some caveats I think you should keep in mind before jumping onto the bandwagon. Players can game on their computers, laptops or Chrome OS tablet using their favorite USB supported mouse, keyboard and controllers. Players can also access Stadia on compatible phones and play over Wi-Fi.
However the big draw of playing Google Stadia on a TV might be a bit more complicated. You will still need the Google Chromecast and Google Stadia controller in order to play. The cost of both will run you a little over $100 which is no small investment for some. I’d suggest checking out the free version on your PC or laptop to see if Google Stadia is something you want to continue before making the investment into Chromecast and the controller.
So what do we think?
Knowing what we know now, do we still think investing in Google Stadia is worth it? The short answer is yes. Now is a great time to check out what Google Stadia has to offer. Maybe this is everything you were looking for or maybe you will find out that your normal method of gaming is perfectly fine. Let us know in the comments below and on social media if you are going to check them out.
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Ha, super kewl! Thank you for this update. I had been checking it out, around a year ago, when it was jut announced, but after that, it got very quiet (in my circles) around the Google Stadia. So, now I am reminded of it. 😉
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