UPDATE 8.05pm: A Stadia spokesman has clarified that while the 4k60fps Stadia Pro subscription service is indeed free for two months as per Phil Harrison’s blog post, the considerably more significant news, as squirrelled away on a separate fact sheet, is that the basic free version of Stadia – which offers streaming at 1080p/60fps with stereo sound – is also now available to all permanently, provided they have a Gmail address.
ORIGINAL STORY 5.27pm: Google is making the premium version of its much-maligned video game streaming service, Stadia Pro, free for two months, in response to what it calls “some of the most challenging times in recent memory”.
“Keeping social distance is vital, but staying home for long periods can be difficult and feel isolating,” wrote Stadia vice president and general manager Phil Harrison in a new blog post, “Video games can be a valuable way to socialise with friends and family when you’re stuck at home, so we’re giving gamers in 14 countries free access to Stadia for two months.”
Those interested in putting Stadia Pro through its paces can do so, simply by signing up via the official website, whereupon “instant access” will be provided to nine games – 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.
Doom Eternal on Stadia Looks Great – But The Lag is Just Too High Watch on YouTube
Once you’ve got the Stadia app installed on your iOS or Android device, games can be played through your laptop, desktop, or Chrome OS tablet, using a compatible controller or keyboard and mouse, as long as they’re HID compliant. It’s also possible to play wirelessly using a Google Pixel or other supported Android device.