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Google reportedly canceled a Stadia-exclusive follow-up to ‘Dying Stranding’

Written by Jeff Lampkin

One of many main issues that labored in opposition to from the bounce was the truth that Google did not safe blockbuster exclusives for the cloud gaming service, which it should . Certain, folks had been in a position to play the likes of Crimson Lifeless Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077 and Future 2 on the platform, however these are all obtainable elsewhere. Because it seems, Google could have spurned the possibility to have an unique title from one of many greatest names in gaming.

Based on at one level Hideo Kojima was engaged on a Stadia-only follow-up to , which debuted on PlayStation in 2019 and later arrived on PC. Dying Stranding has some asynchronous multiplayer components. Different gamers would possibly have the ability to use ladders, roads and different objects that you just place on the planet, as an example. Nevertheless, the deliberate follow-up was stated to be a completely single-player recreation, which could have been the explanation why Google canceled the undertaking.

Based on the report, Google canned the sport, which was described as an episodic horror title, after seeing the primary mockups in 2020. Stadia vice-president and basic supervisor Phil Harrison is alleged to have made the ultimate choice to kill the undertaking. For what it is value, , Kojima claimed one in all his tasks had just lately been canceled. 

Google vice president and general manager Phil Harrison speaks during a Google keynote address announcing a new video gaming streaming service named Stadia that attempts to capitalize on the company's cloud technology and global network of data centers, at the Gaming Developers Conference in San Francisco, California, U.S., March 19, 2019. REUTERS/Stephen Lam

Stephen Lam / reuters

Google reportedly deserted the undertaking within the perception that there wasn’t a marketplace for single-player video games anymore. Of observe, CD Projekt Crimson that Cyberpunk 2077 (which, once more, was launched on Stadia) has now offered 20 million copies, lower than two years after its . By mid-2021, Dying Stranding itself had offered greater than 5 million copies.

The dearth of massive exclusives is way from the one concern that led to Stadia’s downfall. A questionable enterprise mannequin and a did not assist, and nor did Google’s for ruthlessly killing off its personal merchandise. Although Stadia has wonderful recreation streaming tech and a few passionate followers, it by no means took off as Google hoped. The corporate will and concern refunds for all {hardware} and software program purchases (aside from Professional subscriptions). Ubisoft is to provide individuals who purchased its video games on Stadia entry to PC variations.

The information of Stadia’s demise builders, from giants like Future 2 studio Bungie to indie studios whose titles had been alleged to hit the now-closed Stadia retailer within the coming weeks. As notes, it is not clear whether or not Google has a broad plan to reimburse studios for prices they after launching their video games on Stadia. There are issues about what Stadia’s closure means for recreation preservation too. Whereas Google did not safe AAA exclusives, that are not obtainable elsewhere.

Detail of hands holding a Google Stadia video game controller, taken on November 27, 2019. (Photo by Olly Curtis/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Future Publishing through Getty Photographs

In the meantime, some are to unlock the Stadia Controller’s Bluetooth capabilities. The argument is that, if folks can extra simply use the controller on different platforms, it is much less seemingly that the gamepad will turn into . The controller connects on to WiFi for Stadia video games as a way to reduce lag. You can too hook it as much as gadgets with a USB-C cable.

As for Kojima, , in line with the sport’s star, Norman Reedus. that Kojima has teamed up with Xbox Sport Studios for his subsequent title. That recreation will probably be powered by Microsoft’s cloud know-how.

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About the author

Jeff Lampkin

Jeff Lampkin was the first writer to have joined gamepolar.com. He has since then inculcated very effective writing and reviewing culture at GamePolar which rivals have found impossible to imitate. His approach has been to work on the basics while the whole world was focusing on the superstructures.