Google has begun the process of refunding customers for Stadia hardware, games, subscription fees, and more as the end of its cloud gaming service nears.
Back in September, Google announced that it would be shutting down its short-lived Stadia video game streaming service on January 18, 2023, after the virtual console failed to gain the “user traction” it had hoped.
In the same blog post announcing Stadia’s imminent demise, Google said it would refund all hardware purchases made through the Google Store, as well as all games and DLC content purchased through the Stadia store.
This includes hardware like controllers, AAA open-world RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and Google’s own Stadia-exclusive game Outcasters, which will be unplayable when the service ends in January.
new blog posts and FAQs, The company announced that it began automatically processing refunds starting November 9. Whenever possible, Google will attempt to refund “each transaction to the payment method used for the purchase”. If this fails, an email will be sent to the Google account used to make the purchase and the customer will be asked to set up another method to receive their money.
Google also said it will not issue refunds for Stadia Pro subscriptions issued before September 29th. However, players holding these subscriptions will have free access to the library and other services after this date and before the shutdown.
Also, in most cases you don’t have to return the hardware to get a refund, but in some circumstances you may need to prove the existence of the device.
Gamers can continue playing their library on Stadia until January 18, 2023. The service will then be entrusted to the record of video game history, at which point the company will process most of the refunds.
More information on refunds can be found on the Google Blog. Also, for a history of Stadia’s tragic rise and fall, check out his Rebekah Valentine article on IGN.
Anthony is a freelance contributor covering science and video game news for IGN. With his 8+ years of experience covering the latest developments in multiple scientific fields, he has absolutely no time for cheating. Follow him on Twitter @BeardConGamer
