Skip to main content

Google’s ‘Project Stream’ will let you play major games on the Chrome browser

Project Stream Official Gameplay Capture

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey will be available in just a few days, and you can pick it up for play on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC, but what if there were another option? With Google’s Project Stream, you will be able to stream the latest AAA games directly to your Chrome browser.

Project Stream is a “technical test to solve some of the biggest challenges of streaming,” according to Google. As you’ll be able to stream games through the service directly to your laptop or desktop, the heavy lifting won’t be done on your machine, and Google wants participants to help it push its limits.

You can sign up using this form for a chance to be selected by Google for Project Stream. When Assassin’s Creed Odyssey launches on October 5, so will the test, and you will be able to play the game until mid-January for free. A limited number of spots are available for the test and you need a high-speed internet connection (at least 25 Mbps), a keyboard and mouse, a Google account, a Ubisoft account, and the Chrome browser in order to participate.

“We’re looking forward to what the future of streaming holds, and feedback from those participating in Project Stream,” Google product manager Catherine Hsiao said in a blog post. “Thank you for helping us bring streaming to the next level.”

No other games have been announced for the program thus far, but it seems likely that a larger rollout will take place next year. The footage released for Odyssey show the game running at 60 frames per second in 1080p resolution.

Though official details from Google are scarce, it’s possible that Project Stream is just the tip of the iceberg. We have heard in the past that there could be a physical piece of hardware available for the service and that it could even have exclusive games. The platform is reportedly code-named “Yeti,” and it could even work with Chromcast units plugged into a television set.

Game streaming is already a thing, with services like GeForce Now allowing you to play games your machine can’t run on its own, but the ease of being able to stream games directly into your browser could open up the door for true console and high-end PC quality gaming from any device.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
The best Google Chrome games for 2022

When most people think about Google Chrome, the search engine itself or apps like Gmail and Google Docs are typically the first things to come to mind. Google Chrome’s extensive list of free in-browser games isn't well-known. 

Google Chrome, in fact, has a vast array of apps and games from different genres that users can play on their mobile devices or laptop. With standouts like 2048 or Spelunky, among many others, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.

Read more
The best Google Stadia games for 2022
google stadia review rs 2

Google Stadia takes a quality-over-quantity approach to its library of games. There aren't a lot of titles available -- though that's been rapidly changing over the past few months -- but the few that are available are excellent. From massive RPGs like Red Dead Redemption 2 to indie horror adventures like Gylt, Google Stadia has a little something for everyone. Here are the best Google Stadia games you should start playing first.

Most of the games on our list cost some money, even if you're a Stadia Pro subscriber. There are a few, however, that are available for free through a Pro membership.

Read more
The next Assassin’s Creed game has been teased ahead of fall reveal
The protagonist of Assassin's Creed: Valhalla shouting in battle and wielding two axes.

During the Assassin's Creed 15th Anniversary Celebration livestream, Ubisoft announced that the next entry in the history-hopping series would be revealed during a special event coming in September.

Assassin’s Creed: 15th Anniversary Kickoff

Read more