Google have done a Google, and announced some huge changes to their streaming service; Stadia.
If you've followed Google in the last ten years at least, you'll know that it's usually the way it goes to certain services; Google Wave, Google+ are just a couple of examples to go the same way to obscurity.
For a streaming service, it was appealing to many, and it still is, but the next few months look uncertain for the platform.
With that, let's see what was announced.
What in the Stadia has Happened?
On Monday, 1st February Google announced that they were closing their two in-house development studios, and focusing on making their service available for third-parties.
This meant that any games they had in development were now cancelled, with many now unemployed for now.
It's a blow to many, but hopefully Google are looking to re-house those in new positions soon.
It also means that Jade Raymond, who was responsible for helping to create the service two years ago, has also decided to leave on her own accord.
READ MORE: Top Stadia games to play for 2021.
Why has Jade Raymond left?
In the press release, Google fleetingly mentioned that: "With the increased focus on using our technology platform for industry partners, Jade Raymond has decided to leave Google to pursue other opportunities. We greatly appreciate Jade's contribution to Stadia and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours. "
Jade Raymond was previously at 'Motive Studios', mainly responsible for helping the development of 'Star Wars: Battlefront II', while also being the Executive Producer for 'Assassin's Creed II', 'Bloodlines' and others at her time at Ubisoft.
The future of Stadia is now in doubt. While some may think that it doesn't impact their experience at all, Google have had a history of phasing out platforms over a number of years.
We may be seeing Stadia in different forms in the next few years, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the service disappear soon after. Google like to test products more than ship, and Stadia is unfortunately the latest case of this.
It will be interesting to see if other high-profile games will arrive to the service in the next year or so, as that could be an indication of how the industry feels towards Stadia after this announcement.
READ MORE: How to use the Stadia controller for your PC.
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