Google has begun the process of refunding customers for Stadia hardware, games, subscription fees and more as the demise of the cloud gaming service draws ever nearer.
Back in September Google announced that it would shut down its short-lived Stadia video game streaming service on January 18. 2023, after the virtual console failed to gain the “traction with users” it had expected.
In the same blog post that announced Stadia’s impending demise, Google also stated that it would be refunding all hardware purchases made via the Google Store and all game and DLC content bought through the Stadia Store.
This includes hardware such as controllers, AAA open world RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and Google’s own Stadia exclusive game Outcasters, which will cease to be playable when the service is terminated in January.
In a new blog post and FAQ, the company announced that it has started automatically processing refunds as of November 9. Wherever possible Google will attempt to refund “each transaction to the form of payment used to make the purchase”. If this fails, an email will be sent to the Google account used to make the purchase that will prompt the customer to set up an alternative method of receiving the money.
Google has also said that it will not be refunding any Stadia Pro subscriptions issued before September 29. However players who held these subscriptions will be able to access their library and other services free of charge after this date, prior to the shut down.
Customers also won’t need to return hardware in most cases in order to get a refund, however, in some situations, proof of a device’s existence may be required.
Gamers will be able to keep playing their libraries on Stadia up until January 18. 2023, after which time the service will be consigned to the annals of video game history, at which point the company expects to have processed the majority of the refunds.
For full details on the refunds head over to the Google blog, and for an in depth history of Stadia’s tragic rise and fall check out this article from Rebekah Valentine for IGN.
Anthony is a freelance contributor covering science and video gaming news for IGN. He has over eight years experience of covering breaking developments in multiple scientific fields and absolutely no time for your shenanigans. Follow him on Twitter @BeardConGamer
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