- Google enables Assistant functionality on the Stadia controller
- Although functions are limited, Assistant can be used within gameplay
- Users can ask for weather, control their smart home devices
- Google promised answers for gameplay questions, assistance
Stadia, Google’s online game-streaming services, is adding support for Family Sharing. It’s a big announcement fit for its upcoming anniversary. Now Stadia users can share games with their family members. Google has confirmed the rollout in a Reddit post, adding that the rollout will take about a week. Google has added other features like Assistant integration and Crowd Choice recently.
Sharing games via Family Sharing
To set up family sharing, users need to head to stadia.com on their browsers. Click on your avatar and then select Stadia settings. Under the settings, go to the Family tab. If the feature is live for your account, you’ll see the option to set up sharing.
To enable sharing, users need to have a Family group set up in the Google account. To set it up, head to the Play Store, and open your Account settings. Head to the Family tab and set up the account. A shared payment method must be set up so that anyone in your group can make purchases. This functionality is added to verify the account of the people you trust. This will provide a safeguard against random people sharing games with each other.
Users will have the option to either automatically share their entire library, or, manually pick the games they wish to share. They can share entire games including the DLCs, add-ons, and the redeemed Pro games. The Pro games can even be shared with those members who aren’t Pro subscribers. Users can also set up parental control settings on certain games with age ratings. This will ensure that underage members aren’t left unrestricted.
Limitations of Family Sharing
The current sharing limits the option of a co-op player. Only one family member can play the game at an instance. In order to play online together, each member will need to purchase their own ‘copy’ of the game. Stadia Family Sharing account holders can share any game with up to six members.
Another recent addition is the availability of Google Assistant in the Stadia controllers. Users can now ask questions within the game like weather or control the smart home devices. But, the functionality is limited to TVs only. The Assistant button will not do anything during gameplay on mobile or desktop. It still doesn’t deliver all the promises made on its launch. Stuff like, answering gameplay questions, or pull up video tutorials for difficult levels. Anyway, it is still a step closer to that reality.
