Can the Stadia Compatibility Update Sway Naysayers?

Stadia’s concept is a gamer’s paradise. The ability the pick-up your game right where you left off and play on any internet-connected device with complete fluidity is something out of a sci-fi novel or a nerd’s daydream (take your pick). So why then has Stadia had such a rocky beginning and what, if anything, can Google do to right the ship? Will the latest Stadia compatibility update be the life preserver Stadia seems to need, or will it be just another hole in the hull? Let’s find out!

They say timing is everything, and I can’t think of a better example than Google’s Stadia release. Undoubtedly anxious to have the first cloud-based gaming experience on the market, Stadia seems to have been hastily pushed to release. This was met with a host of issues, including compatibility problems, unclear instructions and a general feeling of customer dissatisfaction.

Personally, I feel like much of the negativity towards Stadia was perpetuated by the current consumer culture that wants everything now, running perfectly, and doing everything. Nobody stops to consider how monumental a task it is to accomplish something like a virtually lag-free cloud-based gaming experience. Nobody wants to wait a few months for expanded mobile device capability, PC Bluetooth connectivity or an expanded games library.

That said, it would be naïve to assume that just because I enjoy the service, all those who have voiced their discontent with it have no ground to stand on. Compatibility was a huge issue for many people who found out on Day 1 that they would be unable to play their Stadia games on their device for months to come.

To their credit, Google has been transparent about their plans for compatibility and in fact have released a major compatibility update this week. The Razer Phone I & II, the Asus ROG Phone I & II as well as a host of Samsung Galaxy phones can now enjoy full functionality with Stadia.

As someone who pre-ordered the Stadia Founder’s Edition as soon as I saw my first ad for it and waited patiently for its arrival all while carefully reading information on what it would look like on release; in short, as someone who managed my own expectations, I absolutely love Stadia and what it has done to improve my casual gaming QOL and rolling out a new Stadia compatibility update is a nice addition.

Using Stadia primarily to enjoy those single-player games that are played sporadically either in front of the computer for an hour before bed or for a few hours on a lazy Sunday is simple and seamless.

Stadia has taken a few hits, but I think if we all show a little more patience for a cutting-edge service that has the potential to upend the way we experience console gaming, we will be in for a real treat. While it remains to be seen if anyone will be sated by these new updates, there is no doubt in my mind that Stadia deserves a fair shake, and it has yet to be given that.

For full details on this and future updates, check out the Stadia Blog here: https://community.stadia.com/t5/Community/ct-p/en_community