Google has announced that they’ve added their second studio in Playa Vista, California to design and develop games for the Google Stadia platform. The announcement comes just days after a report highlighted Google’s unwillingness to keep game developers and publishers happy and excited about Google Stadia.
Google formally announced Google Stadia at last year’s Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. Much like the OTT streaming services, the Google Stadia service allows players to stream and play video games on their phone, tablet, TV or computer, without downloading them.
Google Stadia ropes in Sony’s Shannon Studstill
Google Stadia started with its first original games studio in Montreal late last year. Meanwhile, Google has hired Sony’s Shannon Studstill to lead Stadia’s second studio in Playa Vista, California. Prior to joining Google Stadia, Shannon Studstill Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Santa Monica Studio, which known for developing the acclaimed God of War series.
Jade Raymond, VP, and Head of Stadia Games and Entertainment, did not reveal exact details about the company’s game plans:
“The new Playa Vista studio will focus on delivering exclusive games, using new gameplay mechanics, creative ways to play together and unique interaction models that we’re just starting to explore.”
“While we’re not ready to share specific game plans yet, rest assured we are listening to what gamers want and adding our own Stadia twists to create new IP and experiences.”
Not all is well with Google Stadia
As we have pointed out in our previous story, there are not enough quality games available on Google Stadia and that’s primarily because of the lack of enthusiasm among the game developer community. Apparently, Google did not provide game developers and publishers enough money to make their games available on Google Stadia.
Game developers and publishers are also doubtful about Google’s plans to keep Stadia afloat in the long term which is not good for the company. Well, Google is known for its tendency to give up on projects that don’t create a unique identity or generate money for the company.
It will be interesting to see if this new studio will be able to fix the shortage of games on Google Stadia.
