Game (streaming) services for PC; additional costst beside the subscription?

[kiddingguy]

I am wondering, with all these game (streaming) services, like Xbox Game Pass, GeForce NOW, Google Stadia etc.

How is this invoicing going.. will it just be 'fixed' monthy fee and you can play (unlimited) these games, OR are there also hidden costs involved when/if purchasing new(er) games on those platforms (maybe with some discount compared to Steam, Origin, Epic etc).

And in case of subscription + purchasing, what's the benefit if you play only those (purchased) games. Which you could've also bought directly via those platforms?

[Brandon H Supervisor]

depends on the service

 

GeForce Now and Shadow just provide the streaming, you're still accessing your Steam/Origin/ect. library

 

Stadia and the new Amazon Aura services are basically their own platforms, you have to buy the games separately through them. Xbox Gamepass can be categorized this way too since it's Xbox games.

 

I personally prefer Shadow as it gives you a full Windows 10 virtual desktop environment so you can install Steam, Dolphin, or whatever else you want and there's an app for basically every platform.