Currently, if you want to play games through the Stadia mobile app, you can either use the integrated touch controls (which also seem to be getting some improvements), or a connected wireless or wired controller. Both of these are great options. However, motion controls would be an intuitive way to play certain games. Obviously, this probably wouldn’t be perfect for every game. We wouldn’t suggest playing DOOM Eternal with motion controls for instance. But it could work for something like Dirt 5 or any other number of racing games available on the service.
Stadia motion controls are in the works
Based on code found within the 4.6 version of the APK file, motion controls are currently being worked on. While it’s not entirely clear how everything will work, it seems like the phone will read movements of the phone using sensors. Then relay those inputs to the game you’re playing. When and if Google rolls this out, developers should also be able to code motion controls in. As Google also seems to be laying the groundwork for “game-specific motion controls.” Meaning some games could have unique motion controls that would be specific to them. While most games could be compatible with generic motion controls for all your standard inputs. Such as left and right triggers, actions buttons, and more. As for improved touch controls, there’s seemingly nothing major here. Though that doesn’t mean there won’t be improvements. Based on the images below (old design on the left, new on the right), it looks like Google’s plan is to make the controls easier to identify and easier to see. This would include changing the thumb stick icon to a sideview instead of a top-down view of the stick. While also slightly enlarging the letters on action buttons. It’s not clear when these changes will be pushed to the app. But it seems players can probably look forward to them sometime in the near future.
