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DanFromGoogle
Community Manager
Community Manager

What today’s message about Stadia means for players

Stadia players, you may already have seen the message shared on Google’s main blog. This is a short recap of the most important information for players from the main post:    

 

  • You will continue to have access to your games library through January 18, 2023 so you can complete final play sessions and move your progress to alternate platforms where possible.

  • Commerce functionality (the ability to buy games, new subscriptions, add-ons or in-game purchases) on Stadia has now been disabled.

  • Google will offer a full refund of all Stadia hardware purchases (Stadia Controller, Stadia Founder’s Edition, Stadia Premiere Edition, or Play and Watch with Google TV Package) made in the Google Store and all purchases of games and in-game transactions made in the Stadia Store. 

  • The refund process will take us some time to complete, and we expect to have the majority of refunds completed by the middle of January 2023. Please allow us until this time before contacting our support team regarding the status of your refund(s).

  • Stadia Pro subscription payments will not be eligible for refund, but if you are an active subscriber, you will continue to have access to your library without charge during the shut-down period.

 

As we begin the work of processing refunds to customers, Stadia customer service agents will not be able to provide more information to you at this time. For information and updates, please review the information on our Help Center, which will include new information as it becomes available. We’ll also contact players directly via email shortly with more information.

 

We want to thank you for taking this journey with us: in particular, the Founders and fans who have been with us from the beginning. The Stadia team poured the same passion for games into our work building and supporting Stadia as you have shown us each day in your play. 

4 Kudos
476 Replies
Blindtext
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

Hi, I just bought the stadia set, now that google decided to drop the service and of course also the hardware, it would be nice to give this piece of plastic a second life… it's still a pretty good controller! It also has Bluetooth, just not enabled! I have no idea, how complex the hardware behind the sticks and buttons really is but It would nice to get a software/ extension for Chrome to bring a final update to this device (via usb-c cable?!) and make it compatible with regular platforms like psn, Xbox, or Apple Arcade… this would be a publicity stunt, consistent in terms of environment, and like a said: this is still a nice piece of hardware compared to other controllers!

any ideas how to reach out to Google in this matter?

7 Kudos
stanto
Founder
Founder

I was told by Google Stadia's customer support to post on these forums about it, as they currently don't have plans to do anything like this on their roadmap.

4 Kudos
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

@Blindtext If you just recently bought it, you can always return it to get refund. For most countries it's 14 days return policy no questions asked for Google hardware.

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Stadia Guides are not employed by Google. Opinions are my own.
0 Kudos
Blindtext
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

@Ivan sure, that’s one thing to do, I think there is a refund program anyway… maybe a refund also means that thousands of units will be returned back to google… Still, what better use you get out of the hardware already found in so may households?

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Samas
Silver Stadia Guide
Silver Stadia Guide

I would hazard a guess it's not as many households as you think, thus part of the reason for shutdown.

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stanto
Founder
Founder

I know there're existing posts on this, but I'm adding my vote for it too. Customer support directed me here.

"I've checked my resources and also talked with one of my senior specialists here. I'm sorry, we don't have any information or roadmap if Stadia will unlock Bluetooth for Stadia controllers.

I definitely understand this is something you guys eagerly want integrated and is very important to you. We do not have a timeline on when or if this is something that will be implemented, but I’ll continue to share your feedback with the team.

You may want to submit your ideas by making a post on our Community Forum: https://community.stadia.com/t5/Community/ct-p/en_community"

While the controller works over USB-C, it'd be great and useful to allow it to function over either WiFi or Bluetooth to other systems and platforms. There're hundreds if not thousands of these controllers available, and they may as well be permitted to work to their full functionality, even in an unofficial capacity.

Either open source what you can of the microcontroller(s) firmware, or the code to communicate with it, or release a firmware update to allow it to be used/synced so that it's functional.

Just like how Google Wave was released under the apache license/given away, I'm sure there's something that can be done for the code behind the controller. Even if it's at least information for reprogramming it and a pointer to the datasheets and a default firmware to unbrick it if someone accidentally breaks theirs.

16 Kudos
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

@stanto when the dust settled maybe there can be a megathread created for peope to voice their opinion. 

I'm thinking the team is currently on maintenance mode right now rather than enabling new features so there's probably no point sending feedback so we'll just have to wait and see if it becomes available. 

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Stadia Guides are not employed by Google. Opinions are my own.
2 Kudos
stanto
Founder
Founder

"I'm thinking the team is currently on maintenance mode right now rather than enabling new features so there's probably no point sending feedback so we'll just have to wait and see if it becomes available. "

I disagree with you. This is the perfect time to voice opinions and express feedback.

I'd rather you didn't step in and try to silence people asking for things, that isn't helpful.

I respect and acknowledge it's a frustrating time for staff working on the project that have only been told about Stadia shutting down at the last minute, that appears to be a work culture thing in America (I'm from the UK).

But no, now is definitely the time to mention requests and ask for something like this, while it's still raw and fresh in people's minds, rather than further down the line when the dust settles and it's been shuffled off to the corner.

Better to have people express their interest now and show that it's something which is wanted while they're paying attention to it than remember they were told to not say anything.

1 Kudo
magraina
Community Member

I fully agree with that!

If the controller would have Bluetooth, it could benefit from a second life. It would really be too good for electronic waste.

3 Kudos
Blindtext
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

+1 

1 Kudo
zigfi
Founder
Founder

I am using Stadia controller from begin, and i have to admit, it is good piece of hardware.
I am very sad that stadia will be shut down, but at least we could have possibility to keep use controller.

I am voting to make a specification / API and freed so it can be used for other solutions.

 

3 Kudos
TDej
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

Hi,

 

I bought a month ago a Stadia controller with chromecast from someone on a second hand page.

(original case)

Now, a month later .. stadia quits. 

How can i get my money back , and gets the first owner who bought it from the store being refunded with the original price?

This sucks... idk..

Thanks in advance.

Greetings 
TDej

0 Kudos
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

@TDej You can only get refund if you bought the Chromecast and controller from Google store unfortunately. The person that sold you the devices might be able to get refund for it if they bought them from Google store. if it's someone you know, perhaps you can ask to split the refund or something?

https://support.google.com/stadia/answer/12790109 

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Stadia Guides are not employed by Google. Opinions are my own.
0 Kudos
TDej
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

I don't know the person who I bought it from. I can contact the person hoping he is a fair guy, but if he doesn't reply he makes a nice profit.
That's not fair anyway...
They should make something that you need to connect the device to get refunded...  

0 Kudos
TDej
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

Thanks for your answer btw! :winking_face:

0 Kudos
Chufu
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

Yeah if you bought it from someone second hand, it may be hard to get a refund since Google is only refunding Google Store purchases.

You could try to see if you can give the guy the Stadia controller back somehow, but after a month I really doubt it. Worth a try though if you can get in touch with that person. At least you didn't pay the full price that way.

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dave3D
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

It's clear there's demand for the stadia controller to have it's Bluetooth module programmed to communicate as a "classic" HID device but I'd like to draw attention towards the advanced hardware inside the Stadia controller bound to become eWaste beyond January 2023. 

 

stadia-controller-teardown-3.pngThanks to GamersNexus for this teardown image. Clearly there's a SOC package, reprogrammable NAND, wireless communications, and quality controller hardware in there. 

 

 

 

 

The software loaded on our controller should be open sourced and made independently rewritable to allow for third party free development on this hardware platform. 

6 Kudos
jmesuperior
Community Member

The least Google could do is allow Chromecast ultra owners to install geforce now or Xbox game pass.

I'm wounded Stadia is closing. After all this time where I told people it was the best, it's stronger than ever...

I feel cheated

4 Kudos
Chufu
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

I know how you feel... but well, that can always happen these days right? 

Of course highly unlikely but technically even platforms like Steam, GOG, Epic Store could be shut down at some point.

I was only maybe too optimistic with Stadia and despite a lot of people saying it will die, I still had fun playing games on Stadia, so didn't believe it. But well, really hits hard now.

I give you a virtual hug, I feel with you. :hugging_face:

1 Kudo
Blackgem
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

That is the responsibility of Nvidia, it is those of Nvidia who must provide compatibility with Chromecast, in Chromecast Ultra applications or .apk are not installed

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El conocimiento es poder, úsalo bien, pues su mal uso conlleva la destrucción.
"Stadia Gameplay", my channel of choice for Stadia 4K HDR content.
1 Kudo
gegoxaren
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

I just wanted to thank the Stadia Team for everything. I know it must be hard for you right now, and I understand everyone is frustrated.

But I have made friends, I have started playing games again, I've had fun.

So thank you for all the fish, and I wish you all well.

2 Kudos
Chufu
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

Agree with you and I also want to say a big thanks to Stadia, it was fun while it lasted. :smiling_face_with_heart_eyes:

3 Kudos
im11
Community Member

I have just heard about the stadia shutdown. I got the stadia a few months back and never got around to setting it up so hearing the shutdown i decided to try it finally. 

Unfortunately it doesn't seem to work as i can't subscribe to stadia pro. I have google one and had 3 months stadia pro as a benefit and tried to subscibe to stadia pro without luck. 

any ideas or help or is it impossible to sub to stadia pro for the few months its open.

1 Kudo
Chufu
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

Do you get a specific error when trying to redeem your Google One benefit? Sometimes they have restrictions and that's why you can't use it. Otherwise it may be an idea for you to either contact the Stadia Team or Google One team to check if they can help you redeeming your benefit or explain why it doesn't work.

0 Kudos
RXShorty
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

Hi @im11 

I am afraid all subscriptions are out of order. 

All active Pro members do you get Pro for the coming months but there is no possibility to buy new games or activate a paid subscription. :pensive_face:

1 Kudo
im11
Community Member

thanks....i was waiting to use my 3 months free stadia sub offer from my google 1 benefit over the winter as i was busy with travel and work over the summer....

I don't think i can use that offer or sub as its not active......its a bummer.

1 Kudo
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

@im11 you might be out of luck in this case... from FAQ - https://support.google.com/stadia/answer/12790109 

Q:  Why can I no longer purchase games?  Can I purchase in-game transactions?

A:  We have now closed the Stadia Store and disabled all commerce on the Stadia platform, including in-game transactions.

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Stadia Guides are not employed by Google. Opinions are my own.
2 Kudos
Jop
Founder
Founder

Same problem with the 3 months Stadia Pro subscription I got from my LG TV. I hadn't redeemed it yet because according to LG, I had until 31 January 2023 to do so. Now I can't redeem the code anymore (there's no error, nothing happens). Did I miss out on being able to play in 4K for the final few months of Stadia, just because I didn't fill in the code before 29 September 2022, a date that wasn't announced in advance at all?

0 Kudos
UsernameTaken
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

Hi,


As a claimer of the free trial for Ubisoft +, and after today's announcement, what happens in regards to that subscription. 

 

The FAQ states that Stadia Pro, and other subscriptions would be continued free of cost until the service ends.


Can you confirm if this is the case with Ubisoft+ too??

0 Kudos
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

@UsernameTaken Ubisoft+ is a separate service, so expect subscription to be terminated by Oct 10th if you cancel your trial.

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Stadia Guides are not employed by Google. Opinions are my own.
1 Kudo