Google Explains Why Stadia Isn't Delivering 4K Resolution

Google's latest cloud gaming service -- Stadia has faced some backlash since its launch for a limited number of supported games. Moreover, Google had also promised users that Stadia games would have 4K resolution with 60fps support, provided gamers have a TV with 4K support. However, users found games rendering in 2K and upscaling to 4K. Google is now explaining why.

Google Stadia 4K Resolution Not Supported

At the Google Stadia launch, the company had also said that if developers wished to lock the game at 30fps, it would still provide a 4K 30fps experience. But, when gamers tried out the Stadia gaming experience, they found that Destiny 2 runs at 1080p and is upscaled to 4K. It was a similar scenario with Red Dead Redemption 2, which rendered in 2K and upscaled to 4K.

Upscaling to 4K isn't something new. Sony Play Station 4 Pro and Microsoft Xbox One X already have this service for many games. As expected, Google Stadia subscribers have been furious. The company has released a statement regarding the same and to pacify the users.

Google Stadia 4K Resolution Not Supported: Google Responds

Google's statement says that Stadia streams at 4K and 60fps - and that includes all aspects of the graphics pipeline from game to screen: GPU, encoder and Chromecast Ultra all outputting at 4K to 4K TVs with the appropriate internet connection.

"Developers making Stadia games work hard to deliver the best streaming experience for every game. Like you see on all platforms, this includes a variety of techniques to achieve the best overall quality," Google said in the statement.

Google notes that it is giving developers the freedom of how to achieve the best image quality and frame rate on Stadia. The company says it expects many developers can and will continue to improve the gaming experience on the Stadia platform.

"And because Stadia lives in our data centers, developers can innovate quickly while delivering even better experiences directly to you without the need for game patches or downloads," Google concluded.

But it looks like there's a gap between what the marketeers promised with Stadia and what the developers are delivering. The situation doesn't look too good for Google as it has already promised subscribers that games on Stadia will support 4K.