Best answer: You can save gameplay clips on Stadia. Google has created a system that interacts across the company’s ecosystem and that includes the cloud and YouTube, where you can either save clips privately or share them with your friends or followers.
Stream to your TV: Chromecast Ultra ($69 at Amazon)
Stadia is made for sharing
At GDC 2019, Google unveiled Stadia, which is less of a unique gaming platform like PlayStation or Xbox and more of a way to connect the existing Google gaming ecosystem. With Stadia, you can immediately access games on the cloud from any device — Chromebooks, Pixelbooks, phones, tablets, TVs — and get right into your play session.
In addition to actually playing games, Stadia is also a way to connect with YouTube, whether it’s through streaming or just sharing clips. If you use a Stadia controller, you’ll get access to two buttons not typically found on other gaming controllers: Google Assistant and Share. The first allows you to connect with the smart assistant using the built-in microphone, but what’s most important here is the second. Just hit the button and you can share right online.
You have two choices for sharing: public or private. Syncing up your YouTube account can post the clip to the video platform, but private will just upload it to the cloud. Then you can do what you want with it.
This is a system built-in to every other gaming platform. What makes Stadia’s so different? That’s where State Share comes in.
What is State Share?
It’s easy to share a clip but with State Share, Google claims that you can share the game state. According to veteran game designer Dylan Cuthbert, who was on hand at the presentation, State Share allows users to share a precise gaming moment via a link to followers, friends, or just the internet at large. This will not only preserve the video but other important gaming elements like a player’s inventory, their position, and more.
Cuthbert cited multiple examples where State Share can enhance sharing online, like in speedrunning. You can challenge people to beat your run or to play through that specific moment in the game.
“I can create moments specifically for this kind of sharing–challenges to beat my incredible speed runs, or chances for other players to also experience those same tough boss battles. I can build as many shareable moments as I want and let the internet turn my whole game into an infinitely replayable treasure hunt,” he said.
You’ll need a Stadia controller
The small downside is that you need an official controller if you want to take advantage of the sharing features. While Stadia does work with almost any controller, only the Stadia controller will let you save and share clips and game states.
It’s unclear when the controller will be available for pre-order, but we’ll update this article when it becomes available. Stadia is expected to release by summer 2019.
Our pick
Chromecast Ultra
$69 at Amazon
Best way to play Stadia on your TV
Want to play Stadia games on your TV? The Chromecast Ultra will link up with your Stadia controller so you can start playing and sharing.
