Google Stadia's launch has not been the smoothest, but the development of the cloud streaming service continues despite it. That includes expanding on Google Stadia's feature-set, not unlike Epic Games is doing with its store month-to-month. Today Google announced the addition of one such feature, something that other platforms all have and that Stadia users have been requesting. Starting today, Google Stadia now supports its very own achievement system games interested in employing it.
The new achievement system works much like those on other platforms. When a player completes a requisite task in-game, they'll unlock the achievement in their Google Stadia platform. A notification will then pop up telling them about their achievement, regardless of whether they're playing on their PC, laptop, or TV. Users can access their lists of achievements via the web by clicking the Friends button and then selecting your own name. The achievement button will be below the settings button.
As with Google Stadia itself, the achievement system is still nascent and in need of further development. What's available now is the core system, but other features still need to be fleshed out. For example, achievements currently cannot be accessed through the app. Google has already acknowledged that this is a feature that users want. While Google didn't provide confirmation that it's being worked on, it's likely just a matter of time before it's added.
Stadia also addresses other concerns in a Twitter thread about the achievement announcement. Another issue that's being considered by Google is that the new achievement notifications can't actually be turned off. For game players who don't like to be interrupted by notifications, there's no recourse for the time being. Stadia also confirmed that there were no immediate details for features like "Gamer Score" or for a "Platinum Trophy." Stadia simply encouraged fans to keep following for future announcements.
As with much of Google Stadia, the achievement system needs further work. While it'd be understandable for Google Stadia users to effectively be beta testers, it's got to be quite frustrating for users to know that they're also paying to be beta testers. That's because the only people who have access to Google Stadia currently are those who purchased the $129 Founder's Edition. Nevertheless, those users would probably prefer having an achievement system than not having one.
Expect further updates from Google Stadia on achievements and other new features through 2020.