The time of having one and only one store couldnt last foreverMorkonan wrote: ↑Mon, 25. Mar 19, 17:09But, aren't we getting tired of all the different platforms and distribution networks we have to put up with just to get access to a game we might want to play?fiksal wrote: ↑Mon, 25. Mar 19, 14:29This is the *thing* I see with this as well. Depending on their pricing model, they could make this a viable thing for those who dont want to buy expensive consoles, or even more expensive PCs. From what I recall my last PC cost me 2-3k to build... now my next one might be too, but that's a lot of games to buy on the streaming service for $30 to $60 a piece (instead)....
If we only talk about the price, not performance:Morkonan wrote: ↑Mon, 25. Mar 19, 17:09They're not interested in selling the hardware to budget-conscious consumers because budget-conscious consumers habitually don't spend a lot of money... They want a captive audience just like any other exclusive hardware manufacturer wants. Nobody has ever made any money selling a pre-packaged budget-computer product of any sort. (That I can think of, at least.) Every console manufacturer leaves money on the table as soon as the console ships. They make their money on licensing fees and, at best, a little bit on monthly subscriber fees.
I think we can assume they are at least going to pick pricing model that should make them money. Now the question is how this will appear to the consumer/customer. You are right that consoles themselves are underpriced already... PS3 was, PS4 probably, dont know about XBOX.
But, it's still anywhere between $400 and $600 depending on year and model. If Stadia offers only games with no subscription, and you just have to buy their controller,... say, $50, then $350-$550 of spare money would get you even more games.
It can also potentially bring in more people who didnt or dont upgrade their PCs and consoles regularly. Lets say your buddies tell how awesome Witcher3 is. You have nothing to play it, but with Stadia for, $50-60 you can just have it on your TV in no time, dont even need to download it. (assuming you have a controller)
That's where I see they can shine over competition.
I am curious how much the hardware will cost them and had cost them. But with Youtube, ads on youtube, ads of their own games that they sell - imagine if they add a "buy now" button to every video game ad on youtube - it's possible they are taking this into account.Morkonan wrote: ↑Mon, 25. Mar 19, 17:09And, now here comes "Epic" gobbling up exclusive content to try to be a Steam-killer with half the distribution fees and hunting a catalog of "AAA" high-profile titles. What's "Google" going to do with a "budget PC-gaming'ish rig?" Not making profits on the hardware, that's for sure.
It's all 5G. It's all about upcoming 5G. The "new guys" are looking to edge that into a new "paradigm shift" to make them bajillions of monies. But, the New Guys don't have a user-base to exploit. How are they going to get it? Using the same old paradigm, of course!
<-- Cynical
They also potentially need not make a profit initially, until they get enough customers and become known or a go to shop.
As for user base. I am not sure, I think it's literally everyone plus people who dont play games often due to budget and ease of access reasons. I dont think specifically Steam user base is a loyal one. I know I am not
I am personally interested in how multiplayer games will shape up on Stadia.