Google
In addition, Stadia's Pro version of the platform will be free for two months. Stadia Pro offers users instant access to nine different games for free with the option to pay for other titles as well. Google's move to make Stadia's platform free to use has put its ahead of other cloud gaming competitors including Amazon
Google's announcement is junction with the World Health Organization's #PlayApartTogether campaign which encourages citizens of the world to stay inside and play video games by bringing special events, exclusives, activities and rewards to popular games.
"Keeping social distance is vital, but staying home for long periods can be difficult and feel isolation," Vice President of Stadia Phil Harrison stated. "Video games can be a valuable way to socialize with friends and family when you're stuck at home."
For those who want to use their existing video game systems for Stadia gameplay, The Verge found that you can use pretty much any system's controller that has Bluetooth capabilities, including XBOX One and 360 controllers and Playstation 4 DualShock
Other tech giants like Facebook
For the market, video game related stocks and ETFs have generally outperformed the coronavirus-induced bear market. Worldwide stay-at-home orders have caused a record-breaking uptake in internet use globally as well as an enhanced need for home-based entertainment. Video games and other related consumer products have shown that they are near-recession proof due to their low cost entertainment value.
- https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/technology/google-stadia-free-virus.html
- https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/10/21215395/google-stadia-controller-how-to-pair-bluetooth-support-ps4-xbox-consoles
- https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/07/technology/coronavirus-internet-use.html
- https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/09/facebook-google-moves-amid-coronavirus-to-win-more-gaming-market.html
- https://blog.google/products/stadia/try-stadia-free-today