Google is building a cloud-powered video game console and subscription streaming service, according to a report on Wednesday.
Codenamed Yeti, it would enable players to stream games, rather than download them, in a similar way to Sony’s PlayStation Now platform.
The Information’s sources say the proposed platform will be available on Chromecast-enabled devices, while dedicated hardware is also on deck.
Essentially, it appears that hardware will be an Android TV-style device (like the Nvidia Shield) that relies on streaming games from the Play Store rather than downloads.
Related: Best free Android games
While leveraging Android titles offers a gigantic ready-made gaming universe, the report says Google is looking to strike exclusive deals with developers for the new cloud service.
Given how it’s already possible to use Chromecast to stream Android games to a TV, it’s also possible Google has grander visions with higher-end gaming experiences.
Could Google be looking to compete with the likes of Sony, Microsoft, Valve and Nintendo, rather than just Apple and Amazon?
PS Now rival
Currently, the biggest player in the game streaming market is Sony’s PS Now.
Originally conceived as a way to make up for the PS4’s lack of backwards compatibility, the streaming service features hundreds of PS3 games, with some current-gen titles thrown in for good measure.
There are 600 games available in total, none of which need to be downloaded to the console’s hard drive in order to play.
The service costs $19.99 (£12.99) a month or $44.99 for three months, which is a pretty decent deal if your gaming budget limits you to one new title every couple of months.
Do you think Google would be wise to create a game streaming service? Or should it stay in its lane with the vast array of Google Play store titles? Let us know @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
