Google provided a positive Responsible Design case study in January 2023.
Google Stadia, Google’s attempt at a gaming ecosystem, was scheduled for shutdown on 18 Jan. When the shutdown was initially announced, there was the usual frustration related to losing a service that you rely on. But many Stadia users seemed particularly bothered by the fact that the perfectly fine Stadia controllers would be bricked. The Stadia controller worked over Wi-Fi, while every other gaming controller uses Bluetooth. Microsoft was open about the controller having a Bluetooth chip, though support was never enabled in software.
Google eventually responded to this concern. The company released a tool to enable Bluetooth support in the Stadia Controller. This is a one-way transformation, although it can still be used in wired mode with any games that expect the Wi-Fi controller. The tool will be supported until the end of the year, giving users plenty of time to make the switch.
Responsible designers do not brick devices unnecessarily. Rather than becoming e-waste, the controllers can continue to be used with other games and ecosystems. Can you put similar mitigation plans in place for your products?
Related
References
- February 2023 Industry Update (originally featured here)
- Stadia controllers could become e-waste unless Google issues Bluetooth update | Ars Technica
- Google Stadia launch review: Gaming’s “future” looks rough in the present | Ars Technica
Ars’ Senior Gaming Editor Kyle Orland called the controller “one of the highlights of the Stadia launch package,” saying it “boasts a solid, well-balanced weight; comfortable, clicky face buttons and analog sticks; quality ergonomic design on the d-pad and shoulder triggers; and strong, distinct rumble motors.” - Google Stadia celebrates shutdown with controller update, new game | Ars Technica
- Stadia Bluetooth mode
- A Gift from the Stadia Team & Bluetooth Controller… – Stadia Community
In addition, many of you have expressed the desire to enable Bluetooth on the Stadia controller. We have some good news: next week we’ll be releasing a self-serve tool to enable Bluetooth connections on your Stadia Controller. We’ll share details next week on how to enable this feature.