When Google introduced 'STADIA' in March 2019, it was presented in a way that seemed like their new online gaming service would kill consoles overnight. It was awkwardly presented giving the impression that gamers could "rent" new top tier video games instead of having to buy them. What a dream. Unfortunately, that's all it was, a dream. Once clarified, gamers had to pay for the game and then play it on the STADIA online service. While it offered a way around having to purchase a gaming console every few years, it did nothing to help lower expensive game title pricing. 

Video games took off when "Blockbuster" stores made it possible to rent a game on a 3-day basis, allowing gamers to try and experiment with a wide range of games inexpensively. At about $6 for a 3-day pass, how could you go wrong? Once the Blockbuster stores closed for good, gamers were forced to buy top tier games at hefty price. The hope for STADIA was that it would greatly lower game pricing again. That was never to be.

Earlier this morning, Phil Harrison, VP and General Manager of Google's Stadia announced on the company's blog that their gaming service was winding down. More specifically, Harrison stated:

"We’re grateful to the dedicated Stadia players that have been with us from the start. We will be refunding all Stadia hardware purchases made through the Google Store, and all game and add-on content purchases made through the Stadia store. Players will continue to have access to their games library and play through January 18, 2023 so they can complete final play sessions. We expect to have the majority of refunds completed by mid-January 2023. We have more details for players on this process on our Help Center."

For more, read the full press release here.