Take more time than skeptics might have guessed, but Google Stadia is finally closed. On January 18, 2023, anyone who purchased the game on the streaming service will lose access to their library. To compensate those who invested in the ecosystem, Google will refund Stadia users in full — a move that is quite unprecedented.
If you’ve purchased a game on Stadia at any point since its launch, you may have questions. Here’s how it all goes.
Why is Google giving a refund?
Google has killer product reputation. But it doesn’t always leave the user completely stuck. When Google YouTube Originals “killed”, it simply stops producing new original content, but the old content is still there. is Google Hangout “kills”, but the user is being migrated to Google Chat. In many cases, people who have used Google products that have passed away often switch to something new.
Stadia is different. Stadia costs money, sometimes so many of money. Kit includes Chromecast Ultra and Stadia controller for $130. User must Pay full price for the game. There’s a paid subscription to 4K streaming (which also comes with a timed collection of games). Could have spent a considerable amount on Stadia for the past three years.
Turning off the service means taking away access to all purchased and paid games, which goes beyond Google’s normal shutdown process. It’s rare to see a company offering full refunds on years’ worth of purchases on one platform—Users pay Microsoft to buy e-books is the closest thing that comes to mind — but it’s not hard to imagine the outrage (and possible lawsuits) if Google did differently here.
What will be refunded?
There are three big types of services Stadia has charged: hardware, selling games plus add-ons, and Stadia Pro subscriptions. Only the first two will be eligible for a refund. Even then, only sales made through the Google Store or Stadia Store will be eligible.
Stadia Pro subscriptions include a bunch of free games you can claim (similar to Xbox and PlayStation game subscription service), but these titles will not count towards the refund. If you paid for a game in the Stadia Store — as well as any downloadable content or add-on packs — then those games are eligible.
What if I buy Stadia hardware in a store?
If you bought a Stadia controller or Stadia kit at a retailer like Best Buy, you’re out of luck, unfortunately. Google will only refund purchases made through the Google Store. Have two physical Google Stores in New Yorkso if you bought a Stadia controller thereyou may be eligible for a refund, but every other store won’t.
You can’t either return your hardware to any physical store (including physical Google Store locations); however, there’s also no reason to take any hardware to a physical store.
Do I need to return my controller?
No! You will get a refund for all the hardware you paid for, and you will have to keep the hardware. Maybe we. Google says “most hardware purchases” will be eligible for a refund, and specifically calls out the following plans:
- Stadia controller
- Founder’s Edition
- Premiere version
- Play and watch with Google TV
If you bought these kits, you should be safe. If you purchased Stadia hardware another way (again, through the Google Store), you maybe refunded.
When and How do I get my refund?
So far, we don’t know how the refund will go. Google is still working on this process, although the company may have a full let the developers know it’s unplugged now. We’ll update this article once Google provides more information on how to get a refund.
Google says its intent is for “the vast majority” of refunds sent before January 18, 2023 (the date Stadia closed). That could mean getting a refund sooner—a good price boost before the holiday if nothing else—but the process and timing can vary by country.
Can I continue to use Stadia in the meantime?
Right. Games you’ve purchased will continue to work until January 18. If you’ve been a Stadia Pro subscriber since September 29, you’ll remain a subscriber until the service is down, and Google will no longer charge subscription fees. This is a bittersweet bonus, but at least you won’t have to give Google any extra money for a dying service.
However, if you’re not buying any games or paying for subscriptions, the only way to use Stadia right now is with limited-time demos. Although it introduced the feature in 2019, Google is only rolling out playable in-browser game demos. in October 2021and they seem to be working as of now.
