Stadia Pro is more like Xbox Live Gold or PS Plus than Netflix for games, says Google
Google has clarified a few points regarding the launch and features of Stadia.
In a Reddit AMA hosted by Stadia director of product Andrey Doronichev, the company rejected the description some assigned to Stadia Pro as "Netflix for games".
Stadia Pro is a $10-a- month subscription tier that offers more benefits compared to the base service - not available until 2020. Pro allows for streaming up to 4K 60fps with 5.1 surround sound, but another crucial addition is free monthly games, which is what led to the Netflix comparison.
In the AMA, Doronichev explained that Pro won't offer players a sea of free content like Netflix. Instead, it's an upgraded service based on an experience already provided at the free tier, comparing it instead to PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold. As for the free games themselves, members will only get about one game each month.
This catalogue will expand, meaning you won't lose access to old freebies, Doronichev clarified. Adding further detail, Doronichev said game ownership of said free games will work similarly to how they do on Plus and Gold, in that you'll miss out on free games in months where your subscription lapsed, but regain access to games you previously claimed when you resubscribe.
Looking ahead, Doronichev said that a new Stadia Connect is coming soon. Stadia Connect is a Nintendo Direct-style presentation that condenses all important information into a pre-recorded show, of which we've only gotten one so far.