Possible gaming comeback for Google as they explore the integration of video games into YouTube

Google is reportedly testing the integration of video games into YouTube, as per The Wall Street Journal. This potential move marks Google's return to the gaming industry following the discontinuation of its cloud gaming service, Stadia. Stadia failed to gain significant traction and was shut down earlier this year, despite initial promises of offering AAA gaming experiences.

The current testing phase focuses on the concept of instantly playing video games on YouTube, akin to watching videos. However, the games being tested differ from those on Stadia, with Stack Bounce, an arcade-style game, currently featured. It is likely that Google's new gaming initiative will focus more on mobile-style games rather than high-budget productions.

This move could be seen as a response to Netflix's introduction of playable games within its platform, aiming to prevent Google from falling behind in this evolving landscape. Although Stadia was recently mentioned in the FTC-Microsoft case as evidence of competitiveness in the cloud market, its lack of success highlights the challenges of establishing a mainstream cloud gaming service.

While Google's YouTube integration for gaming is still in the testing phase, there is no concrete timeline for its release, and details regarding monetization remain unclear. The success and realization of this new venture will determine whether YouTube can provide an enjoyable gaming experience for its users.