Stadia might be able to save itself by running unmodified windows games on Stadia via a Windows “Emulator” for Linux

Google is planning to unveil a new windows emulator for Linux in the upcoming Google for Games Developer Summit. Currently, Stadia’s OS is Linux-based which means that it cannot directly run windows games without porting them. That may soon change as Google plans to unveil a new Emulator that will allow the game developers to port games to different services without having to modify them. Marcin Undak, who’s a porting lead at Google Stadia will be leading the 25-minute session at the Google for Games Developer Summit had this to say:

”How to write a Windows emulator for Linux from scratch?

Detailed overview of the technology behind Google’s solution for running unmodified Windows games on Stadia. This is a deep technical walkthrough of some of the core concepts to allow curious programmers to better understand such technologies and potentially to build their own”

This seems very similar to what Valve did with its Steam Deck. The Linux-based handheld console can run windows games through a compatibility layer called proton. That said though, Linux could become the next big PC gaming platform.

Stadia has struggled with its audience as it failed to provide a high-profile library and lacks exclusives. There are currently many Stadia games in development but we don’t see them coming out soon. With Cloud gaming at its peak Xbox game pass and GeForce now are dominating the market leaving behind Stadia. This may well be a good chance for Stadia to have another chance.

The Google for Games Developer Summit is on March 15, 2022, so soon we’ll see what Google has to offer.