Just before E3 2019, Google held the first ever Stadia Connect event on June 6 to reveal some of the key details we've been awaiting regarding the video game streaming service. The service will launch this November in a limited capacity and expand next year with a two-tiered strategy. One of these tiers includes a subscription, but what is it and what does it include?
The subscription plan is called Stadia Pro, and it will cost $10 per month. It includes access to a selection of free games, discounts on full game purchases, and all games will run in 4K at 60fps with 5.1 surround sound. The only announced free game so far is full access to Destiny 2 with all of its add-ons, including the upcoming Shadowkeep expansion. Google hasn't detailed how many games will be included with a subscription at launch, or how often new games will be added.
At launch, Stadia access will only be available by purchasing the Founder's Edition. This comes with a three-month subscription Stadia Pro, which will become available to buy separately at a later date. The Founder's Edition also includes a Buddy Pass that gifts three months to a friend, a Chromecast Ultra, and a limited-edition controller. The Founder's Edition will cost $130.
Pre-order Stadia Founder's Edition now »
A Stadia Pro subscription will be the only way to play Stadia at first, but not forever. A separate Stadia Base service will launch in 2020. That service will be free, but all games will have to be purchased a la carte. The resolution and sound quality will be slightly diminished too, at a max of 1080p and stereo sound. It won't include a Chromecast Ultra, but you can play on any Chrome browser or a Pixel 3 or 3a phone.
For more details on Google Stadia, check out what we learned about pricing, release date, and more, including its game lineup. Excitingly, those titles include the newly announced Baldur's Gate III.
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