Everyone knew this was coming because since its launch, Stadia has only brought us bad news, bad decisions, and very bad policies. However, he managed to be on the air for two years… until now. finally google will close Stadia on January 18, 2023.
And this could be very bad news for users, if not Google wanted to behave like a large and serious company. Despite this, everyone who purchased games on the streaming service will lose access to their library.
To compensate the people who invested in the ecosystem, Google will offer Stadia users a full refund – an unprecedented move.
If you purchased the game from stadium at some point since its launch, you may have doubts. Next, we explain how all this will develop.
Why is Google refunding money? Stadia costs money, sometimes a lot of money. The kit that included Chromecast Ultra and Stadia controller cost 120 euros.. In addition, users had to pay full price for games.
And, to all this, 4K streaming premium subscription added (This gave access to several games, yes). You may have spent a significant amount of money on Stadia over the past three years.
Disabling the service means removing access to all purchased and paid games, which is a bit beyond the usual Google shutdown procedure. It is not common for companies to offer full refunds for purchases made on the platform over the years.but it’s not hard to sue Google otherwise.
What will be returned?
There are three broad categories of services that Stadia pays for: hardware, sales of games and add-ons, and a Stadia Pro subscription. Only the first two can be reimbursed. Even then, only sales made through the Google Store or Stadia Store will count.
Subscription stadium-pro included a rotation of free games that you could qualify for (similar to the Xbox and PlayStation game subscription services), but these games will not count towards your refund.
If you paid for the game on the Stadia store, as well as any DLC or add-on packs, they will be credited.
What if I bought Stadia hardware from a store?
If you purchased a Stadia controller or Stadia bundle from a store, unfortunately you have lost your money. Google will only offer refunds for purchases made through the Google Store.
There are two physical Google stores in New York, so if you bought Stadia controllers there, you may be eligible for a refund, but not at other stores. So if you are a Spaniard, then most likely you will be left without a refund.
You also cannot return the equipment to any physical store. (including physical Google Store locations); however, there is also no reason to bring any hardware into a physical store.
Should I return my controllers?
No. All equipment you paid for will be returned to you and you can keep it. Well maybe. Google says “most hardware purchases” are refundable.
If you have purchased these kits, you are safe. If you purchased your Stadia hardware in another way (again through the Google Store), you may be eligible for a refund. And it specifically points to the following packages:
- stadium controller
- Founders Edition
- Premier Edition
- Play and watch with Google TV
When and how will I receive a refund?
We do not currently know how refunds will be processed. Google says it intends to send out “the majority” of refunds by January 18, 2023 (Stadia’s shutdown day).
This may mean that the refund is made earlier, even before Christmas, although the process and timing may vary by country.
Can I still use Stadia at the same time?
Yes, your purchased games will continue to work until January 18th. If you were already a Stadia Pro subscriber as of September 29, you will remain a subscriber until the service is terminated and Google no longer charges you for the subscription.
It’s a bittersweet bonus, but at least you won’t have to pay Google more money for a dying service like Stadia. However, if you haven’t purchased any games or paid for a subscription, then the only way to use Stadia right now is through time-limited demos.
Source: Computer Hoy
