Reports have been swirling around Google’s development of a subscription-based game streaming service, but a flurry of secret meetings at recent conferences has raised speculation it could soon be revealed.
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 is developing a subscription-based game streaming service that could work either on its Chromecast or a Google-made console. Stock image
Yeti would work either on Chromecast or on a Google-made console, which could challenge big developers such as Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo.
The plan that Google has been working on involves use of its cloud servers to broadcast the games to users over the internet, the Information report said, citing people with knowledge of the project.
The service would utilize cloud servers rather than download them or install them with a CD.
Such a gaming service would see the tech titan go head-to-head with similar services such as PlayStation Now, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
Google took several meetings at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles last month, according to Kotaku.
The sources said the company is not only trying to draw game developers to the potential Yeti service, but also to buy development studios in their entirety.
The report also claims the firm has developed several iterations of Yeti so far, as it discusses the project with ‘top-tier gaming developers,’ according to 9to5Google.
Google hired Microsoft and Sony gaming veteran Phil Harrison to head a yet undisclosed division in January.
Google declined to comment.
The move wouldn’t be the first time Google has expressed interest in the gaming business.
Google’s Juston Payne speaks about the Google Daydream View at a Google event at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco
In 2014, the company reportedly planned to buy Twitch, a live streaming video platform popular with gamers before Amazon beat them to it.
In 2016, the firm unveiled its $79 Daydream VR headset, in a move to make virtual reality more affordable.
But, it only worked with the Pixel phone.
Google later unveiled an updated version of the headset, with compatibility with far more devices.
The $99 Daydream View headset revealed in 2017 will work with the Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+ & Note 8, Moto Z & Z2.
Google has yet to release any information regarding pricing for Yeti.
By comparison, PlayStation Now currently costs $18.27 per month while GeForce Now by Nvidia costs $10.53 per month.
XBOX E3 2018: WHAT DID MICROSOFT ANNOUNCE FOR ITS VIDEO GAME CONSOLE?
Microsoft showcased a record 50 new video games for its Xbox One console during its 2018 keynote presentation at E3.
The Redmond-based company unveiled new instalments in its popular series, including Halo and Gears Of War, as well as teasing a future streaming service for video games and a new Xbox console.
Here is the definitive list of all the video games which were announced on-stage, or previewed significant updates coming soon to the console.
Halo Infinite
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Kingdom Hearts III
Sea of Thieves: Cursed Sails and Forsaken Shore
Forza Horizon 4
We Happy Few
The Division 2
Session
Black Desert Online
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
Tunic
Dying Light 2
Just Cause 4
Cyberpunk 2077
Gears Tactics
Fallout 76
Crackdown 3
Nier: Automata
Metro Exodus
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
Battlefield V
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
FastStart
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Devil May Cry 5
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
Jump Force
Battletoads
Gears 5
Gears Pop!
Microsoft executive Phil Spencer teased plans to bring console-quality games to ‘any device’ thanks to a new streaming service from the company
Elsewhere, Xbox head Phil Spencer introduced a new Microsoft studio called The Initiative.
The company also confirmed a slew of acquisitions, including Undead Labs, Playground Games, Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games.
These developers will now publish their titles exclusively through Microsoft, which will help to bolster the console’s exclusives for the future.
Microsoft also revealed plans to build a Netflix-style streaming service for video games that promises to bring ‘console-quality gaming to any device’.
The company claims players will be able to stream blockbuster titles to their Xbox, laptop or smartphone.
Phil Spencer said: ‘Our cloud engineers are building a game streaming network to unlock console-quality gaming on any device.
‘We are dedicated to perfecting your experience everywhere you want to play – your Xbox, your PC and your phone.’