Google is eager to bring more developers to Stadia, so it’s offering free development kits and funding to people who wish to join the Stadia Makers program.
One of the biggest complaints regarding Stadia has been the lack of titles in its library and the slow trickle of new releases. Paid versions of Stadia have been available since November, yet there have barely been any new additions to its library since launch. There are some who have cited this lack of interest from developers as the death knell for the service, even though the free version of Stadia has yet to be released.
Google is now offering free help to developers who could bring their games to Stadia. According to GamesIndustry.biz, Google has launched an application website for the Stadia Makers program, which will make things easier for developers to create games for the streaming service. Successful applicants could receive several Stadia development kits, funding and Unity assistance. In exchange, Google wants Stadia to be on the list of day one launch systems for games.
Approaching independent developers is a good move for Stadia, even if undemanding games seemingly go against the need for the service. Nintendo faced a similar issue with the Wii U, as the console barely received any support from third-party or indie developers. Nintendo made an effort to attract developers with the Switch and it now receives a massive influx of new games every month, taking the pressure away from the first-party exclusives.
There have been many pundits who have said that Stadia won’t last with its current lack of support from developers, but Google has only just started to make its move. The free version of Stadia has yet to be launched, while Google’s own development studios have yet to produce any exclusives for the service. Stadia has had an extremely rocky launch, but it’s still in the very early days of its lifespan, and if any company can keep throwing money at Stadia until it succeeds - it’s Google.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz, Stadia
