Rumours about Google’s entry into the console gaming space have swirled for what seems an eternity now. Now, the tech company is set to unveil its “vision for the future of gaming” at GDC next week. Google released a teaser trailer last night, which doesn’t really tell us anything at all – but it’s very definitely related to games.
The general consensus in the industry is that Google’s new machine will leverage the cloud to deliver its games streamed over the internet, though it’s likely that the system will run games offline too. There are more rumours that suggest that the company has partnered with Ubisoft and SEGA for new games. The Ubisoft partnership wouldn’t be surprising, given that they tested their cloud-streaming game service with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey running within a browser window.
A recent patent showed off what Google’s controller might even look like, while mock-ups give us a better idea beyond much older patent sketches.
Either way, the idea of a company as big as Google entering the console gaming space is an exciting – and possibly scary – prospect. They have the wherewithal to fund exclusives, along with the R&D capabilities to actually pull this off and be the first bona fide contender to take Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo on.
In possibly related news, video game producer Jade Raymond has revealed that she’s joined Google as a VP. She hasn’t said what she’s the VP of, but given her experience in the realm of video games, coupled with the timing, it’s almost certain that she’s involved in that area.
Raymond, of course, worked as producer on Assassin’s Creed and as executive producer on its first sequel. She also worked on Splinter Cell: Black List and Watch Dogs before leaving Ubisoft to Join EA, where she worked on Star Wars projects. She left EA in October – and now is now at Google.
You can watch Google’s GDC keynote at 7pm South African time on March 19 – where we’ll see the future of video games.
Last Updated: March 13, 2019
Mark Treloar
March 13, 2019 at 07:59
That controller looks like a torture device
Geoffrey Tim
March 13, 2019 at 08:04
Patents are more often than not just that; patents – and not a real indication of what the actual product will look like. AT LEAST I FUCKING HOPE SO.
Mark Treloar
March 13, 2019 at 09:19
Everyone hopes so. That thing is hideous
Magoo
March 13, 2019 at 08:10
WTF is Gbygle?
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
March 13, 2019 at 13:56
How about G’bye Google
Magoo
March 13, 2019 at 14:03
Google doesn’t take goodbyes very well. Or at all.
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
March 18, 2019 at 14:22
Well it would round off their catchphrase marketing pretty well. “Hello Google! Goodbye Google!”
WhiteRock
March 13, 2019 at 13:29
Games By Google?
Magoo
March 13, 2019 at 13:34
Actually, I accept that.
Jonah Cash
March 13, 2019 at 08:10
Interested to see what comes of this. Might just join the live stream to see what is what for myself.
PoisonedBelial
March 13, 2019 at 08:24
This is legit something to be very excited about.
I’m keen to see what Google can bring to the gaming table.
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
March 13, 2019 at 13:56
They’ll be bringing YOU, to the table.
Gavin Mannion
March 13, 2019 at 09:05
Google are not a friendly company so this won´t end well for gamers if they decide to go all in
cloudzn
March 13, 2019 at 09:50
Imagine all the restrictions and red tape they will put devs through
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
March 13, 2019 at 13:56
Imagine the profiling they could do on you from the data gathered off your controller inputs within video games. All sorts of misinterpretations will come off that.
justlikemo
March 13, 2019 at 09:14
cool I guess, can I google it with the google button 😛
CodeDisQus
March 14, 2019 at 09:07
Interested, cautiously so. Google is great at many things, including ads. I seriously do not need to see Takealot ads during load screens!