Google Stadia Opens New Studio With Former PlayStation Exec

Google is opening a second development studio in California that will be led by former SIE Santa Monica Studio head Shannon Studstill.

In a blog post, Stadia games and entertainment boss Jade Raymond revealed that the team will be based in Playa Vista, with Studstill serving as studio director. Studstill previously worked at the Los Angeles-based Santa Monica Studio, the Sony PlayStation division responsible for 2018's God of War.

"The new Playa Vista studio will focus on delivering exclusive games, using new gameplay mechanics, creative ways to play together and unique interaction models that we're just starting to explore," Raymond wrote. "While we're not ready to share specific game plans yet, rest assured we are listening to what gamers want and adding our own Stadia twists to create new IP and experiences."

Raymond praised Studstill's background where she, in addition to Sony, has worked as an executive producer for Electronic Arts and founded her own company Broodworks (aka SuperBot Entertainment, the developer of 2012's PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale) before its shuttering in 2014.

"She has an extensive background in product development and creative leadership, but most importantly, she's a visionary who, as the studio director, will lead and inspire the Playa Vista teams," Raymond wrote. "We're thrilled to welcome her to the Stadia family!"

Google's cloud gaming service has yet to make a significant splash, but the company remains committed to Stadia. Five more games will be making their way to Stadia this year, increasing its rather barren selection of titles. And later this year, Stadia's free tier is said to arrive, allowing people to play "without having to put a box in your home," according to Google vice president Phil Harrison.