Google Reportedly Developing 'Yeti' Game Streaming Service And Console Hardware
Google is already a dominant force in video streaming thanks to YouTube, so stepping into the game streaming fray could be a lucrative venture for the company. Yeti would require subscribers to pay a monthly fee for access to a broad library of games. But how will Google pull it off? According to The Information (paywall), one solution would be to use existing Chromecast hardware as a way to stream games. Chromecast devices is already capable of playing mobile-centric games with their relatively meager hardware, so streaming similar titles shouldn't be too much of a burden.
However, it's also possible that Google may develop its own dedicated gaming console that would stream games. Fueling the possibility of this route is Google's recent hire of Phil Harrison. If you recall, Harrison had instrumental roles over the past two decades with both the PlayStation and Xbox console families. As a new VP of Hardware, he could be pivotal in steering Google's efforts in this arena.
Yeti has reportedly been under development for the past two years, and was originally supposed to get out of the door late last year. The big question remains as to what kind of quality we will see with these streamed games, even though with game processing taking place in the cloud, there's less of a need for Xbox One X-class gaming power in your entertainment center. However, you will need a fast and steady internet connection for an enjoyable gaming experience. And Google will have to ensure that lag is minimized with every button press or nudge of the directional controller.
Google I/O is scheduled for May 8th, 2018, so perhaps we might hear something about this game streaming service (and Android P) at that time.
