Google Offers New Video Game through Web Browser

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Category: Technology/Innovations

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. streaming / ˈstriːmɪŋ / (n) – the process of transferring Internet data to a user’s device without having to download the data
    Example:

    Video streaming would be very hard if the Internet connection is unstable.


  2. installment / ɪnˈstɔl·mənt / (n) – a part or several parts of a series that are released in a sequence
    Example:

    The third installment of the popular science-fiction movie will be released next year.


  3. console / ˈkɑːnˌsoʊl / (n) – a device that usually has controls, buttons, and a screen, and is specifically made for playing video games
    Example:

    I play racing games on my brother’s gaming consoles.


  4. lag / læg / (n) – a delay
    Example:

    They weren’t informed about the changes right away because there was a lag in the receipt of the e-mail.


  5. degradation / ˌdɛgrəˈdeɪʃən / (n) – the reduction of something to something lower
    Example:

    The slow Internet caused a degradation in the graphics quality of the movie we were watching online.


Article

Read the text below.

Google is testing its content streaming project with the latest installment of the Assassin’s Creed franchise.


Assassin’s Creed is an action-adventure series by game developer Ubisoft [YOO-bee-sawft]. In October, Ubisoft released Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, which is a fictional adventure set in Ancient Greece. The game was released for gaming consoles like Xbox One and Play Station 4. However, as part of Google’s Project Stream, the search giant partnered with Ubisoft to offer the game for free on the Google Chrome web browser.


Earlier, Google looked for several volunteers for the test. To be accepted for the test, volunteers should be US residents aged 17 and above. Participants should also have decent Internet connection. They will be able to play the game until January 2019.


Google’s Project Stream is the tech company’s attempt to improve Google Chrome users’ streaming experience. The company aims to identify and fix difficulties users may face when streaming high-quality graphics using a browser. For the project, Google chose to stream a high-quality video game that has heavy graphics and sound requirements to test the limits of the company’s streaming service. Because of the game’s heavy streaming requirements, Google said that the test is expected to face problems like time lags and quality degradation.


If Google’s Project Stream is successful, the tech giant could lead a major change in the video game industry. Project Stream may start an era where games can be played through streaming instead of using consoles. In addition, the success of the test could let Google have a share in the growing global game industry, which is projected to reach $138 billion this year.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• How do you think the gaming industry would change if video games can be played through Internet browsers? Discuss.
• Would you consider playing games through Internet browsers instead of consoles? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• Would you participate in trials for a new product or service before it is launched? Why or why not?
• What should developers or creators consider when choosing the people who would test their products (e.g. age, location, knowledge on the technology)?