You can now stream games directly from Google search results in Chrome

Google Chrome users in the United States.S. can now launch select video games directly from Google search results, much like you already could for movies, music and TV shows.

The games run in your browser via cloud streaming services like GeForce Now or Microsoft Cloud Streaming, meaning you can play on any computer, smartphone or tablet running Google Chrome. Even weak devices can play games this way – often in 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second with minimal input lag – as long as you have a strong and stable internet connection.

Wait, isn’t this just Google Stadia?

If you are thinking, “couldn’t Chrome already do this?” you are right. Google’s Stadia cloud streaming service too lets you play games through Chrome or the Stadia app on phones and smart TVs. However, Google plans to discontinue Stadia in January 2023. This new feature, while similar, is separate from the Stadia service, but probably not from the underlying technology.

Responses to Google’s announcement Tweet highlight the confusion many users expressed frustration that Google is launching the new Chrome feature just a few weeks before Stadia closes down.

But it is important to remember that Stadia is being shut down due to poor financial performance and lack of interest from users, not because the technology didn’t work. Honestly, Stadia actually worked pretty well, despite its confusing monetization strategy. Pmany other streaming services work in browsers, so the new feature isn’t unexpected either.

In fact, Google teased the ability to launch games through Google search months before it announced the closure of Stadia, and we can assume that Stadia would have been included in the list of supported cloud platforms if it had not disappeared.

Google also said it plans to use the service’s streaming technology to other platforms, such as YouTube, Google Play and Google AR, after Stadia’s shutdown, and says it will share the technology with other companies, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more Stadia-like features appear in other Google products in the near future.

How to stream games with Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and search for the game you are interested in playing.
2. If the game is playable, the information panel will show streaming services that have the game available. Click “Play” next to the selected platform to open the game.
3. If you already have an account and are logged into the streaming service you selected, the game should load automatically. If you not you must go through the registration and login steps first.
4. Some games may also require a gamepad or keyboard and mouse to play, so keep a Bluetooth controller handy if you’re playing on mobile.