Announced recently, Google is attempting to perfect the ability to stream games into your home without having to invest lots of money into hardware.

Called Google Stadia, games will run on servers within Google’s data centers. Players will connect via a computer, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, smart TV, a dumb TV with an attached Chromecast; basically a video screen with an internet connection.

To play the game, users can use a thrid party controller or keyboard / mouse combo as well as Google’s own controller, designed specifically for the service. Google is aiming for streams up to 4K resolution as 60 frames per second, along with support for HDR and surround sound.

They also hope to scale to 8K resolution eventually at 120 frames per second. Of course, this will all be dependent on a users’s connection speed. Anyone with a slower download speed may be restricted to lower resolutions, like 1080p at 3o frames per second. Google didn’t not indicate if there would be pricing tiers for each resolution level.

It’s likely that Google is attempting to make a play for Twitch users and try to bring those folks to YouTube for publishing live streams. Hypothetically, a user would be able to watch someone play a game, then immediately shift over to playing the game themselves, assuming it’s included in a subscription model.

Of course, one of the biggest roadblocks could end up being data caps put in place by ISP companies. Streaming 4K video off Netflix eats up roughly 7GB to 10GB of bandwidth per hour. If Google Stadia’s video feeds require similar data usage, playing a game like Red Dead Redemption 2 from start to finish (roughly 50 hours) could eat up 350GB to 500GB of data, potentially half a 1TB monthly data cap.

Google did not announce when Stadia would launch (beyond stating 2019) nor release any information on pricing. It’s possible Google will release more information during the Google I/O 2019 conference at the end of May. Microsoft is also rumored to be making a leap into streaming gaming, likely announcing around E3 during early June 2019.

You can check out a video of Google Stadia announcement below:

Shut Up and Take My Money: Google Stadia

Love it or hate it, Fortnite has taken over the online video game scene over the last 12 months. If you are unfamiliar with it, it’s a FREE downloadable game that’s available on all major gaming platforms (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch).

That’s right, free. If you are a parent reading this, don’t get suckered into buying something like this for $30 because your kid can just download the game for free. These gifts, however, are perfect for a Fortnite fan:

1. V-Bucks

I can guarantee you that a gift of V-Bucks will knock a Fortnite fan’s socks off. V-Bucks are the digital in-game currency that allows players to purchase limited edition skins for their character and weapons as well as new dances, sprays and animations.

The easiest way to do this is to purchase the digital currency on their preferred Fortnite platform; PSN cards, Xbox Live cards, Nintendo eShop cards, etc… (You can also send in-game gifts if you have your own Fortnite account & know your gift recipient’s username.)

Check Price on Amazon

2. Evil SHIFT Fortnite Controllers

One of the disadvantages to cross-playing Fortnite competitively on a gaming console like the Xbox One or PS4 is that PC players have an advantage using a keyboard & mouse. enter the Evil SHIFT Fortnite controller, a custom built controller that has additional paddles for building protective structures within the game.

Of course, the downside is that the controllers cost half the price of a console. Both the Xbox One and PS4 controllers retail for $180.

Check Price on Evil controllers

3. Straight Outta Tilted Towers Coffee Mug

If you call out “Where We Dropping Boys?” into your mic as a squad match starts, it’s almost inevitable that someone will reply “Tilted Towers.” One of the most popular starting spots due to a high volume of loot, Tilted Towers is proudly displayed on your new coffee mug. And if that’s not your your liking, check out this “Where We Dropping Boys?” mug.

Check Price on Amazon

4. Blue Yeti USB Microphone

If you have a gamer in their lives that’s trying to get their Fortnite streaming career off the ground, utilizing professional equipment during streaming will definitely step up their game. Upgrading to the Blue Yeti USB Microphone, for instance, will provide professional level audio during intense matches. It’s available in multiple colors.

Check Price on Amazon

5. Fortnite Light Up LED Boogie Bomb

This 3D-printed replica of a Boogie Bomb (an in-game item that forces other players to dance) actually lights up due to the LEDs built into the shell. The LED lights are powered via USB and the replica is roughly 5 inches in size.

Check Price on Esty

6. Do Not Disturb – I’m Playing Fornite socks

Perhaps a literal warning sign to anyone that’s disturbing your focus while playing Fortnite, these socks will attempt to warn your significant other / parent / legal guardian that you are in the fight of your life battling streamers like Ninja and NickMercs.

Check Price on Amazon

7. Fortnite Wall Art (5-Pieces)

If you are looking for some art work to deck out a bedroom or video game room, the Battle Royale shop offers a variety of Fortnite prints showing off a variety of characters and scenes from the game. Look for more scenes added as each new season of content starts in the game.

Check Price on Battle Royale

8. Fortnite Funko Pop! Figures

Definitely a great gift for both a Fortnite player that’s also a Funko Pop! collector, you can a variety of these figures on Amazon as well as other Funko Pop! sites. If you are looking for something more realistic, check out ThinkGeek for 7-inch action figures depicting Fortnite characters.

Check Price on Amazon

9. Fortnite Season 4, 5, or 6 Wooden Map

Available in 1o, 12, 14, or 16 inch sizes, this beautiful handmade map is carved out of birch wood. In addition, the season 6 version of the map is actually reactive (utilizing magnets & plexiglass). Prices are on the high end, ranging from $140 to $260 depending on the size.

Check Price on Etsy

9 Awesome Gifts that will make any Fortnite fan dance

If you haven’t heard yet, the gaming community is in a growing uproar after Microsoft clarified comments yesterday regarding persistent online requirements, digital rights management, used games policies and Kinect requirements. In summary:

1. Your XBOX ONE has to check in with Microsoft’s servers at least once every 24 hours in order to continue to play offline. If you are playing on a friends console, that time period is reduced to one hour. In Microsoft’s own words “Offline gaming is not possible after these prescribed times until you re-establish a connection, but you can still watch live TV and enjoy Blu-ray and DVD movies.”
2. Regarding the transfer of used games to a new party, Microsoft is putting game transfer rights in the hands of the publisher. If a publisher does allow it, Microsoft has two requirements: “You can only give them to people who have been on your friends list for at least 30 days and each game can only be given once.”
3. When it comes to the Kinect, it cannot be disconnected. Microsoft said the user will have control over privacy settings and will be alerted how audio / video data is being used by the Kinect. Microsoft also claims that the data won’t leave the XBOX ONE unless authorized by the user.

We have collected some of the best memes and illustrations expressing dislike and frustration of these policies. Check them out below:

The Evilness of XBOX ONE, illustrations and memes