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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
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

If @Blûdhâvên  your payment of method is no longer valid, there will be further instructions about it. Please take a look at the article below

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

Q: I no longer have the form of payment I used to make the purchase, how will I get a refund?

A:  Keep an eye out for an email from us, we’ll provide you with instructions on how to choose a new form of payment.

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

With the announcement of the death of Stadia and with Google not collecting hardware for proper recycling,  we need the firmware updated to actually use the controllers as BLE controllers for other games (e.g. Steam).

By paying us off and leaving nearly useless controllers in our hands their essentially putting these, very capable devices, into landfills.

7 Kudos
JohnnyRhythm
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

@DanW @I totally agree - this is a very surprising announcement - I wonder why they have decided so suddenly and aren’t taking hardware returns either as part of refund process.?!  I agree that they should allow us to repurpose hardware wherever possible. I’d they aren’t willing to update firmware then it should be made available open source for modding 

5 Kudos
wynneljk
Community Member

The FAQ didn't really talk about the most important thing - existing games you paid for outside of the stadia subscription? I paid full price of those games. Do I get a full refund? Can I still play after servers shut down (assuming no)?

0 Kudos
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

Hi @wynneljk  they will refund everything other than Pro subscription. No you will not be able to play the games after the servers are shut down. You can continue playing on other platforms for games that support cross play.

You can also use Google Takeout to download Stadia related data, including game saves. I read somewhere was able to transfer the save data from Stadia to Steam, but I forgot for which game. 

Please take a look at the article below for more details

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

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Stadia Guides are not employed by Google. Opinions are my own.
3 Kudos
Persian128
Community Member

Refund

0 Kudos
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

Hi @Persian128  they will refund everything other than Pro subscription. Please take a look at the article below for more details

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

Q: Will I get a refund?  What is available for a refund? 

A:  We will be offering refunds for all Stadia hardware purchases (Stadia Controller, Founders Edition, Premiere Edition, and Play and Watch with Google TV packages) made through the Google Store and software transactions (games and add-on purchases) through the Stadia store. Stadia Pro subscriptions are not eligible for refund, however you will be able to continue playing your games in Pro without further charges until the final wind down date.

 

Q: Do I have to return my hardware to get a refund? 

A:  Most hardware purchases (Stadia Controller, Founders Edition, Premiere Edition, and Play and Watch with Google TV packages) made directly from Google will not need to be returned. More details on how to obtain a refund for your Stadia hardware purchases will be posted here in the coming weeks. 

 

Q:  How/When will I get my refund?

A: We are working through this process now and will keep this article updated as we define the process for each of the countries and different situations. Our intent is to have the majority of refunds processed back to the original payment by January 18, 2023.  

 

Q: Are you refunding my Stadia Pro subscription? 

A: We will not be refunding Stadia Pro subscriptions. Players who held an active Stadia Pro subscription as of September 29, 2022 will not be charged for access to their Pro library or other subscription entitlements during the shut-down period.

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Stadia Guides are not employed by Google. Opinions are my own.
2 Kudos
Smile4evil
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

I have 12 Games non will be refund.IS full THEFT!!

0 Kudos
Smile4evil
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

They say JUST those games will be refund u played under 2 hrs etc . SO what i payed 2000 koron over lost all.WELL DONE

0 Kudos
DanW
Founder
Founder

That wasn't stated anywhere.  All hardware and software purchases will be refunded.  The only thing not refunded will be Stadia Pro subscriptions.

0 Kudos
Smile4evil
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

NO REFUNDS FOR GAMES JUST IF YOU NOT PLAYED OVER TWO HRS SO ALL MY GAMES WILL BE LOST OVER 2000 KORON.IS A THEFT!

0 Kudos
Smile4evil
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

NEVER EVER BUY DIGITAL GAMES!!!

0 Kudos
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

@Smile4evil did you actually read what I wrote on my reply? You will be getting refund back for Stadia hardware and games, just not the Stadia Pro subscription. It doesn't matter how long you've played.

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Stadia Guides are not employed by Google. Opinions are my own.
2 Kudos
Smile4evil
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

if u look the timeline i wrote this before then u reply to the other. ANd either way i will get refund 2023 jan-feb XD

0 Kudos
DanW
Founder
Founder

Yeah but you wrote the same (or similar things) like 5 times.  Of course people are going to react to your shenanigans.

0 Kudos
4xelBeast24
Community Member

will i get my money back but like in what form of payment hope you see it

Tags (1)
0 Kudos
Xsparger
Founder
Founder

With the shutdown announced will the Stadia controller will receive one more update to unlock Bluetooth so we can keep using them?

 

Over the last few years it has become one of my favorite to use on and off Stadia and would be a mighty shame for all of my controllers to become paperweights.

Xsparger
5 Kudos
edubsdubs
Community Member

Good question, this is a great opportunity to keep using hardware instead of letting it end up in a landfill somewhere.

4 Kudos
bluecityste
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

Please please please Google send an update to unlock the Bluetooth potential of the controller's.

Being able to use these on PC, android (or even consoles) wirelessly would be fantastic :crossed_fingers::thumbs_up::crossed_fingers::thumbs_up::crossed_fingers::thumbs_up::crossed_fingers::face_with_tears_of_joy::crossed_fingers::thumbs_up::crossed_fingers::thumbs_up::crossed_fingers::thumbs_up::elephant:

0 Kudos
Rio425ee
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

Unlock wireless functionality for the **bleep** controller!

2 Kudos
Lisfan7574
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

What about the games I purchased that are also in my steam account I believe. I'm most worried about my life is strange true colors. After January 18th, 2023 can I still play that on another platform.. and if not is that refund available. I am not positive that it's in my steam. I don't know much I'm new at this. But I don't want to have bought it for nothing basically. Can I transfer it to a game system once I purchase one? I'm so lost right now. Ant info would be much appreciated.

0 Kudos
Grizvet1
Stadia Player
Stadia Player

I just read about the shutdown. Are we gonna get refunded for any games and in game purchases we made on stadia??

0 Kudos
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

Hi @Grizvet1  they will refund everything other than Pro subscription. Please take a look at the article below for more details

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

Q: Will I get a refund?  What is available for a refund? 

A:  We will be offering refunds for all Stadia hardware purchases (Stadia Controller, Founders Edition, Premiere Edition, and Play and Watch with Google TV packages) made through the Google Store and software transactions (games and add-on purchases) through the Stadia store. Stadia Pro subscriptions are not eligible for refund, however you will be able to continue playing your games in Pro without further charges until the final wind down date.

 

Q: Do I have to return my hardware to get a refund? 

A:  Most hardware purchases (Stadia Controller, Founders Edition, Premiere Edition, and Play and Watch with Google TV packages) made directly from Google will not need to be returned. More details on how to obtain a refund for your Stadia hardware purchases will be posted here in the coming weeks. 

 

Q:  How/When will I get my refund?

A: We are working through this process now and will keep this article updated as we define the process for each of the countries and different situations. Our intent is to have the majority of refunds processed back to the original payment by January 18, 2023.  

 

Q: Are you refunding my Stadia Pro subscription? 

A: We will not be refunding Stadia Pro subscriptions. Players who held an active Stadia Pro subscription as of September 29, 2022 will not be charged for access to their Pro library or other subscription entitlements during the shut-down period.

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

Posted to Stadia Facebook chat:

Hello! Just heard the news that Stadia is shutting down... 
I did not purchase the hardware at Google store (but other store, likely BestBuy - no receipt). I do not think I ever purchased any games. Looking only for the hardware refund. How?

Reply:

Thanks for messaging us, Michael. We won't be able to offer refunds and returns for purchases made from physical stores. You can learn more here: [...]


"won't be able" sounds like "we do not care - feel free not to trust Google next time"...  There is no reason for Google to not be able, not willing - is different.  It seems Google does not afraid to lose trust, not the first time... 

0 Kudos
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

@mfz So you purchased the hardware, but never purchased any games. What were you using it for then? You said 'likely Best buy' so you weren't sure?

In any case, if you bought the device from Best Buy using credit/debit card, they should be able to track down your purchase history based on that. Just look into your bank statement and tell them the date you bought the device. No guarantee if they'll give you the refund, but worth a shot.

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Stadia Guides are not employed by Google. Opinions are my own.
2 Kudos
mfz
Community Member

Thanks for your quick reply @Ivan,

My point was that I definitely did not purchase at the Google store and that Google should be responsible for killing the product.

I received the device from a friend and I definitely not going to ask him to contact Best Buy.

I have the chromecast connected to my TV and used it as such from time to time.  Kids never indicated interest to the Stadia remote - so it remains in the original box.

Again this is not about money, but about Google's responsibility.  I see no point for Google to refund only purchases via Google store, but not the rest.  All or nothing.

1 Kudo
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

@mfz So you use the Chromecast not for playing Stadia games, and the controller sits in the box unused. Technically you never even used the product the way its intended when it was sold to you. The Chromecast will keep working as before, and you can still use the Stadia controller to play games on other platforms using wired connection.

The only loss functionality with Stadia being shut down is that players aren't able to use the Stadia controller to play Stadia games, or use the controller wirelessly, which you never use. And yet you're still demanding refund. 

Even in your case, at this point Best Buy purchased the hardware from Google so they can sell it on their stores, so now they're the one responsible for taking care of returns. I honestly fail to see how Google is responsible to refund products that aren't sold on their stores.

I'm sorry I'm really having trouble understand the logic here.

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

Hi again @Ivan,

While it is technically correct that I never really used the product, how it is (technically) relevant to my question?

I understand the Chromecast will keep working, though I probably will not use it much - will prefer Amazon Fire TV devices, which I also have anyway, and they still supported (even though they are based on an a very old version of Android).  Also when Amazon devices will become too old, I still will be able to trade them for a new Amazon device and Amazon would not care if I purchased them directly...  I hope you (and somebody from Google who hopefully reads this) get the point.

I hope you understand yourself that Stadia as wired controller is kind of useless in modern times...

"The only loss" is a dead service and Google is taking responsibility for that, which is good.  Of cause they cannot really compensate those indi developers, but Google is willing to pay back for games, which is a much higher expense than the controller. 

My point is: it should be Google's best interest to reimburse any purchases of Stadia devices, regardless where and how they were purchased.

I was an early adopter of Google products from the time Google was born.  I have a box full of devices Google decided not to support anymore (Chromebooks, tablets, watches, Nexus Player, router).  I have an Android TV which I use with Amazon Fire Stick only since the TV is stuck with Android 8 and not being upgraded (yes, it is the vendor who is responsible for the upgrade, but it is Google who selects vendors and allows them to put Android logo on the product).

I hope you agree that it is hard to trust new Google products and hard to recommend them to friends who trust my technical skills...

I really hope someone from Google reads this.

Thanks

0 Kudos
Ivan
Platinum Stadia Guide
Platinum Stadia Guide

@mfz Google can only give refund for something that they sell with proof of purchase. In this case, as long as the product is being sold from Google Store, you will be refunded. The receipt is the proof of purchase. If you don't have the receipt, then they have no obligation to give you a refund. This is not something special Stadia, I'm sure you're already well aware.

The Stadia controller was also given away as part of partner giveaways, given free as part of Cyberpunk and Resident Evil promotion, and many other things. Same case with Chromecast ultra, which have been sold way before Stadia exist.

If Google is just going to blindly refund people for owning the devices, how can they determine the actual value of the devices and make sure they were part of Stadia purchase? I could have owned Chromecast Ultra in the past, decided to use it to play Stadia on TV, then claim for a refund and say that Iost the controller that came from the Premier package. Many people purchased Cyberpunk and got a Stadia controller for free as part of the promotion. Do you think they deserve getting a refund? 

If you have no more faith buying Google products, then you should stop. Vote with your wallet.

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Stadia Guides are not employed by Google. Opinions are my own.
0 Kudos
mfz
Community Member

Thanks for your quick reply @Ivan,

Let's pretend (just pretend) and that instead of advocating for Google you asked how I would address the issue...

1. Enable Bluetooth, so people will keep using the (free for those who purchased from Google) product instead of discarding it.  I have no reason to believe that Google does not care care about the environment - so this would be a must step.

2. Reimburse all purchases regardless of the seller if buyer can show a proof of purchase or make an agreement with sellers so they will reimburse on Google's behalf.

3. Offer a small value if someone would like to return the product without proof of purchase (again to protect the environment). This can be as low as $10-$20 or a Google store coupon or some cheap product like a power supply or a phone case.

4. Public event when customers can bring dead Google products to Googleplex to build a statue from those products. I promise to come over. :slightly_smiling_face:
 
Thanks

0 Kudos