Why Google's Indifference Towards Developers is Concerning
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Chapter 1: The Closure of Stadia
Google has a notorious track record of discontinuing projects, and the shutdown of Stadia is yet another example. The growing list of defunct Google initiatives, often referred to as the "Google Graveyard," highlights a concerning pattern of behavior.
Many projects that fail to capture Google's interest are quickly abandoned, leaving developers and users in the lurch. This article explores the implications of Stadia's closure and why it signals troubling news for developers.
Section 1.1: Background on Stadia
Stadia was envisioned as a revolutionary video game streaming service, allowing users to play current-generation games without the hefty investment in consoles like the PlayStation or Xbox.
Game On
For competitive gamers like myself, relying on a streaming service for games such as World of Warcraft or chess was a non-starter; the frame rates just wouldn’t cut it!
Stadia was launched with high hopes, showcasing impressive streaming technology. At its debut, many believed that with Google's backing, it could deliver a superior gaming experience.
The cloud streaming capability was robust, despite some concerns about frame delivery. Other companies have successfully monetized similar technologies, leading many to believe that Google would do the same.
With an impressive 9.7 teraflops of power, Stadia promised a new subscription model where players wouldn't own the games they purchased. Instead, they would be at the mercy of Google, which could remove access at any time. If any company could convince consumers to buy into this model, it was Google.
Excitement buzzed around exclusive titles and the simplicity of jumping into games via a link. Need more processing power? Stadia had it covered by distributing games across multiple servers. It was a compelling offering designed to captivate gamers.
Section 1.2: The Downfall of Stadia
Unfortunately, Google has historically struggled with projects catering to niche markets, and their commitment to long-term support has been lacking. As a result, Stadia was ultimately shut down in early 2023.
The Consumer Experience
Google has taken steps to refund all hardware and software purchases related to Stadia, which is a silver lining for consumers who enjoyed the service for a couple of years at no cost. However, similar services like OnLive and Gaikai have also failed, raising questions about the sustainability of this model in the gaming industry.
The Real Victims
While gamers are accustomed to unmet promises—looking at you, Cyberpunk—the refunds soften the blow. However, the loss of exclusive titles means some games will vanish entirely.
Developers, particularly smaller studios that dedicated resources to create specialized ports for Stadia, are left in a precarious position. This added effort was based on the expectation of a viable market.
The closure of Stadia signifies a significant loss for these developers. Without any prior notice, Google has effectively cut off their revenue streams, which illustrates their disregard for the developer community.
Section 1.3: Google's Response
Google's assurance that they are attempting to "make it right" with select third-party developers does little to alleviate concerns. The abruptness of Stadia's closure shows a lack of consideration for the developers who invested their time and resources.
Developers have often faced similar treatment from tech giants, including Apple, which has a history of removing apps or replicating successful ideas without appropriate compensation.
Conclusion: The Bigger Picture
It appears that major tech companies harbor little regard for software developers. I have encountered numerous stories of developers being undervalued within their own firms.
This indifference extends beyond internal practices, suggesting that external developers are viewed as disposable assets. Understanding this mentality sheds light on the overall treatment of customers and the broader implications for the tech industry.
About The Author
Professional Software Developer “The Secret Developer” can be found on Twitter @TheSDeveloper and regularly publishes articles through Medium.com.