Google has unveiled a radical new streaming service it hopes will one day replace games consoles.
Called Project Stream, it will let users stream games in real time to Google’s Chrome browser.
The firm is partnering with Ubisoft to test the service with their soon-to-be released Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, with the game running on Google’s servers, but being streamed live and controlled by users over a web connection.
Google is developing a subscription-based game streaming service that could work either on its Chromecast or a Google-made console. Stock image
‘We’ve been working on Project Stream, a technical test to solve some of the biggest challenges of streaming,’ Google said.
‘For this test, we’re going to push the limits with one of the most demanding applications for streaming—a blockbuster video game.’
The two firms will allow Assassin’s Creed Odyssey to your Chrome browser on a laptop or desktop.
‘Starting on October 5, a limited number of participants will get to play the latest in this best-selling franchise at no charge for the duration of the Project Stream test,’ Google said.
It said the massive technical challenges in the trial mean access will be limited.
‘The idea of streaming such graphically-rich content that requires near-instant interaction between the game controller and the graphics on the screen poses a number of challenges,’ it revealed.
‘When streaming TV or movies, consumers are comfortable with a few seconds of buffering at the start, but streaming high-quality games requires latency measured in milliseconds, with no graphic degradation.’
There are limited spaces available for Project Stream, but if you’re interested in participating, you can apply on our website.
Google said anyone wanting to try the service needs a home internet connections ‘capable of 25 megabits per second.’
Reports have been swirling around Google’s development of a subscription-based game streaming service for several months.
The service, codenamed Yeti, would put Google at the forefront of a new part of the videogame business that lets people play games as they’re being streamed, rather than using downloads or disks, a report said.
The firm met with big video game companies at the Game Developers Conference in March and took meetings at the E3 gaming expo in Los Angeles a few weeks ago, it has been claimed.
It is also believed to be considering buying existing games development studios to bolster the plans.
Google hired Microsoft and Sony gaming veteran Phil Harrison to head a yet undisclosed division in January.
In 2014, the company reportedly planned to buy Twitch, a live streaming video platform popular with gamers before Amazon beat them to it.