Borderlands 3 Will Launch On Google Stadia, Day One

During Google's Stadia Connect presentation where it revealed a ton of new information about the new platform, the company announced that over 30 games will launch on the cloud-based gaming service. One of those will be the upcoming and highly anticipated Borderlands 3.

The long-awaited sequel to Borderlands 2 is scheduled to release for Xbox One, PS4, and PC on September 13. It also appears as if crossover DLC released for Borderlands 2 will arrive soon, if a mistaken listing on Steam is any indication.

Though the initial trailer for the game was disappointing, our time with the game during a preview event met many of our expectations. Most notable is Gearbox's decision to take inspiration from other modern day shooters, like Titanfall 2, including the addition of sliding and climbing to implement both more speed and verticality to combat.

Though the first-person loot shooter is recognizably more of the same Borderlands formula in many respects, the game's new loot features and skill tree systems make for a more satisfying experience for solo players. Borderlands 3's story approaches new themes as well, including Twitch streamer-inspired antagonists, a focus on the importance of the Sirens, and travel to other planets.

Stadia is Google's approach to cloud gaming, allowing users to stream their digital purchases via Wi-Fi to a computer or TV. A Stadia Founder's Edition is available for pre-order now, costing $130 USD / £120. This special edition comes with a limited-edition controller, Chromecast Ultra, a three-month subscription to Stadia Pro, and a three-month Buddy Pass to give to a friend so they can try Stadia Pro.

Chromecast Ultra allows you to stream Stadia (or many other apps, such as Netflix or HBO Go) through your TV via an HDMI port. Stadia Pro--normally a $10 USD / £9 a month fee--allows you to stream games in 4K HDR at 60fps (as opposed to Stadia Base which only goes up to 1080p at 60fps). The subscription also provides access to a free library of specific games and a discount on all titles in Stadia's store. There's also a limited-time Stadia Pro deal for Destiny 2.

Stadia Founder's Edition is currently scheduled to launch in November 2019. The free Stadia Base will not be available until sometime in 2020. Other Stadia games on the way include the newly announced Baldur's Gate III from Larian Studios, the developer of the Divinity: Original Sin games.