Google shuts down Stadia games streaming service 3 years after launch

Google has announced it is shutting down its cloud gaming service Stadia after unsuccessful attempts to gain popularity among users.

Google Alphabet Inc. presented the Stadia platform as a challenge to the giants of gaming consoles. The service allows you to run games on devices such as Android or use the Chromecast application for TVs, sending data directly from Google server clusters. A subscription to Stadia cost $10 per month.

Players will be able to access their game library and play until January 18. Google will reimburse Stadia for purchases of hardware, games and additional content made through the Google Store.

Google invested generously in Stadia with the hope of reaching far beyond the audience of traditional gamers or those who could not afford an expensive Xbox or PlayStation console. According to Bloomberg, the company has invested tens of millions to host games such as Red Dead Redemption 2 on its platform.