Google Refunds Customers
13 NOVEMBER 2022
Google has started to refund customers following the announced closure of their video game streaming service Google Stadia.
In September 2022, Google announced that Stadia will shutdown on January 18th 2023, after a three-year lifespan. An estimated 2 million users, including myself, have started to recieve refunds for hardware, including the Stadia controller, and software purchased through Google's online store.
When Google announced Stadia's closure, it was unclear how much their venture into cloud-gaming cost the tech giant. But an estimated 2 million users, and each Stadia controller costing around £60 each, before factoring in the actual cost of any games, you can assume it cost Google a small fortune.
My experience of Google Stadia, although cut short, has been a good one. I love the futuristic and modern feel of the controller, and the screw-less design makes it fit well in the hand.
Like many other modern gaming controllers, Stadia works wired and wirelessly, however once the servers close next year, the controllers' wireless connectivity will cease to work, therefore making the controller obsolete in the wireless world.
Fans are hoping that Google will release a patch-update for the controller so it can be used for many years to come after the closure.
Images courtesy of Google Communications
Stats Source: All Stadia