Grid for Stadia features 40-player mode ‘not possible’ on other platforms

The Stadia version of Grid will feature an exclusive 40-car multiplayer mode “not possible” on other platforms, according to its development director.

Grid released on October 11 for Xbox One, PS4 and PC, while the Stadia version is scheduled to arrive later this year.

Mark Green, development director for Grid at Codemasters, spoke to Wccftech about the differences between developing for Stadia compared to consoles and PC.

“Perhaps the area with the biggest difference was the streaming,” he said, “but also the ability of Stadia to talk to other Stadia so quickly transforms some ideas around multiplayer – for example developing a whole new mode for Grid Stadia which has 40 cars on track at the same time, something that just isn’t possible with other hardware.”

Green didn’t elaborate on why the mode in question isn’t possible on other systems, but added: “With our 40-car mode, we’ve probably only just scratched the surface of what Stadia is capable of and I’d love to have more time with the designers and programmers looking at just how they can utilise the extra power.”

Stadia will launch in 14 markets on November 19 and initially content will comprise mainly of third-party games, some of which might have Stadia exclusive features like Grid’s new multiplayer mode.

Google VP and head of Stadia Games & Entertainment Jade Raymond has 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.

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