Google's Stadia cloud gaming platform appears to have lost another veteran in the videogame industry. According to ZDNet, Jack Buser is the Stadias Director of Games and a former PlayStation executive. He will be heading up Gaming Solutions at Google Cloud.
Google has confirmed that Buser will be leaving the Stadia group in favor of Google Cloud. The Verge was provided this statement by Google:
Google is seeing tremendous momentum in gaming, which is a very important vertical. Jack's new role will enable us to bring our customers the best of Google across Cloud services, Stadia and YouTube. Stadia will still be managed by Phil Harrison, its GM. Stadia's partner management and business development teams will be headed by Michael Abbattista who assumed the role in 2020.
It's easy to believe that Google is trying to make Stadia lose as a way to get more gaming revenue, but it could be a good idea for the future of Stadia. In February, when Google cut its game studios, it was clear that Stadia boss Phil Harrison wanted to send a clear message to the industry. He said that Stadia would be run as a technology platform and not as a Netflix-of games or place to create groundbreaking games.
It sounds as if Busers will be working on the overall technology platform for Google's partners. Google Cloud is already sold by Busers.
It is possible that Google will eventually add Stadia to the Google graveyard. However, it may be easier to swallow if it manages to transform it into another type of business. It could be that Google is choosing to invest more in gaming than it has previously. ZDNet quotes a Google Cloud spokesperson as saying that gaming is one the key verticals that we are investing in. He also writes that Busers' move is about connecting with players through a comprehensive suite of products.
End-to-end collaboration solutions
ZDNet says that the tech giant could offer end-to-end collaboration solutions, including YouTube as a streaming partner in live broadcasts and e-sporting events.
This brings back the 70-page Google confidential document that we found in the Epic v. Apple trial. It describes a plan for Google to become the largest gaming platform worldwide by 2025. The document details a plan to bring 100 Android games to Windows PC and then expand to Macs, smart displays and TVs using Google's cloud services. It suggested that cloud gaming could also be part of the vision. Shadow of the Tomb Raider was a good example.
Buser has a lot of experience in attracting premium games to both Google and Sony. He was the head of Sonys cloud gaming service PlayStation Now. Now he may have a better pitch to get those games in.
Stadia has faced some difficult times, but it is still trying to improve the service. Recently, the company slashed its revenue share to attract more developers. It also added a touchscreen control option and finally, Stadia was available on the Chromecast with Google TV.
