Earlier this week, Apple announced a new game subscription service just a week after Google’s big Stadia cloud gaming announcement. While both services might feature a similar subscription model – that’s all they have in common.
They couldn’t be further apart in terms of ‘what they offer’ and ‘how they offer it’.
Compatibility
Google’s Stadia is openly available to users, allowing anyone with a Chrome browser to play the game. Google is also offering a gamepad that controls Wi-Fi directly. On the other hand, Apple Arcade can only be played on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV devices.
Functionality
Apple Arcade will run games leveraging traditional hardware, allowing you to download and play a game online or offline, depending on your preference. Google Stadia is a cloud-based gaming service that relies on a strong Internet connection to stream games onto a screen. Stadia will stream games from hardware in data centers onto the Chrome browser.
Type of games on Stadia
Google Stadia’s library will include everything from casual games to the latest AAA titles. At GDC 2019, titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Doom (2016,) and NBA 2K were demoed on Google’s cloud game streaming platform.
Bethesda’s highly anticipated Doom Eternal is also coming to the service. Google has also confirmed that the company will publish original titles on the platform.
Apple_Arcade
Type of games on Arcade
Limitations in hardware mean Apple Arcade will not offer graphic-intensive AAA titles. Apple announced a library of 100-plus games,s including AR and multiplayer titles, with a strong mix of familiar franchises and upcoming indie experiences. Apple Arcade will include games like Sonic Racing, LEGO Brawls, Beyond a Steel Sky, and others. Apple has also promised to dedicate resources to ensure that only quality titles are available for their service.
The bottom line
Both Google’s and Apple’s services are miles apart. Comparing Google Stadia and Apple Arcade is like comparing apples and oranges. Google’s service excels at delivering triple-A gaming titles that would otherwise require expensive hardware to run. However, it needs a pretty strong Internet connection (25 Mbps at 60 Fps in FHD resolution).
On the other hand, Apple Arcade features titles that can be played offline and on just about any device without a heavy emphasis on a strong Internet connection. But you’re unlikely to AAA or graphics-heavy titles.
