4m | Natalie Bannerman
BT has been named as the first European distribution partner of Stadia, Google’s new cloud gaming platform.
Through the partnership, BT and Google will deliver cloud gaming via this next-gen platform to more UK consumers as well as see the two come together to build awareness, access and availability of it in the UK.
“We continually look to provide our customers with the most exciting products and experiences, and by partnering with Google on Stadia, we’re able to help them push the limits of gaming,” said Marc Allera (pictured), CEO of consumer division at BT. “We’re also investing in the UK’s fastest 4G, 5G and fibre networks, so our superfast home broadband service is the perfect accompaniment for those wanting to make the most from this innovative streaming gaming platform.”
The collaboration between BT and Google will leverage BT’s Superfast Broadband 2 service available in over 80% of the UK, delivering speeds 6x faster than the standard UK broadband. Together with Stadia’s cloud-based platform, they will deliver the best cloud gaming experience.
“We’re excited to continue our cross-product partnership with BT in the UK to further drive the cloud gaming industry forward,” added Michiel van Eldik, general manager & VP of devices & services, EMEA at Google. “BT has an established track record of leading the industry in delivering next-generation services and products to their customers. Through today’s announcement, we are able to make the best gaming content even more accessible, and to continue to change the way people access, play and enjoy their favourite games.”
In support of this collaboration, BT is launching a unique Google Stadia offer where customers that take up one of BT’s superfast fibre packages can choose to receive free Google Stadia Premiere Edition. After 7 February BT will also offer a range of ‘Superfact Stadia’ gaming plans with one of its high-speed fibre packages.
Google first announced the launch of Stadia in November 2019. The new service is being delivered over Google’s globally connected network of data centres, freeing its players from the limitations of consoles and PCs.
