Google says it could take several years for ‘a huge new IP’ to hit Stadia

Google is making “a spectrum of bets” on Stadia content and taking “a long-term view” to the development of first-party content, its games boss has said.

In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Google VP and head of Stadia Games & Entertainment Jade Raymond said the company will deliver some “exciting” exclusive content each year, but that it may take several years before a “big bet” from a first-party studio pays off.

Raymond told the site she’s responsible for “building out all of the exclusive content for Stadia”. This will come from “a few different first-party studios”, starting with Google’s just announced, first Stadia development house in Montreal.

But to begin with Stadia content will comprise mainly of third-party games, some of which might have Stadia exclusive features, as well as some second-party titles from independent developers.

“Initially we’re going to have some interesting indie-style titles we sign and they might look a little different, or take advantage of a YouTube integration, or have a different role for a streamer,” Raymond said. “But they won’t right away solve every problem or uncover every possibility of what cloud-native gaming is going to open up.”

Big first-party games will take longer to arrive. “It is a long-term view that Google is taking,” Raymond said. “For a big bet and a huge new IP that’s going to fully leverage the cloud, it may be several years.

“But we do have quite a few exclusive games in the works that will demonstrate some of the exciting things about the platform all along the path.

“It won’t be four years before gamers get to see the new exclusive, exciting content,” she added. “There will be some coming out every year, and more and more each year.”

Stadia will launch in 14 markets on November 19. However, Google recently confirmed that people who’ve pre-ordered Stadia aren’t guaranteed to receive it by that date. It aims to fulfil all pre-purchases within two weeks of launch.

The company said on Tuesday it has now sold out of the Stadia Founder’s Edition worldwide, and that it’s been replaced with the $129/£119 Premiere Edition.