YouTube rolls out its new Playables games to all users
Is YouTube's New Gaming Hub Worth the Hype?
YouTube has expanded its gaming initiative, Playables, to all users on both mobile and desktop platforms. Users can access over 75 games ranging from chess and crossword puzzles to popular titles like Angry Birds Showdown and Trivia Crack by navigating to the Playables section on YouTube's site or app.
Initially launched last year for YouTube Premium subscribers with a smaller selection of games, Playables now offers saved progress and score tracking. This move aligns with a growing trend among tech companies like LinkedIn, The New York Times, and Netflix, which have incorporated gaming into their services to attract and retain customers.
What is the name of YouTube's new gaming initiative?
YouTube's new gaming initiative is called Playables.
How did Google's attempt at entering the gaming market with Google Stadia turn out?
Google's attempt at entering the gaming market with Google Stadia did not turn out as expected. Google Stadia was a cloud gaming service that allowed users to stream and play games via smartphones, web browsers, and other gadgets using Google's Chromecast streaming device. It was launched in 2019, with the promise of revolutionizing the gaming industry by providing a console-quality experience without the need for space-consuming hardware.
However, Stadia faced several issues that ultimately led to its downfall. Firstly, the business model was criticized for being expensive and not offering enough value to consumers. Games were sold for full price alongside the subscription fee, which went against the expectations of many potential users. Secondly, the service required a stable and fast internet connection, which not all potential users had access to. Thirdly, the lack of a compelling and unique game library made it difficult for Stadia to stand out in the market.
Despite Google's efforts to improve the service and address some of these concerns, Stadia struggled to gain traction with users. In September 2022, Google announced that it would be shutting down Stadia in January 2023 due to low customer demand. The company stated that it would be refunding all Stadia hardware purchases made through the Google Store, as well as all game and add-on content purchases made through the Stadia store.
While Google's foray into gaming with Stadia did not turn out as planned, the technology behind the service has been proven at scale and is expected to be applied to other parts of Google's business, such as YouTube, Google Play, and its Augmented Reality (AR) efforts. Additionally, Google has expressed its intention to make the technology available to industry partners, aligning with the company's vision for the future of gaming.