> blatant double-dip business model of subscriptions + purchase stunk
FWIW, the subscription wasn't required. It just got you discounts on games, access to a rotating collection of "free" games, and 4k streaming (rather than 1080p you get without a subscription).
Their communication about all of this really sucked though, because most critics who didn't try Stadia (and even some who did) thought the subscription was required to use it at all.
I believe it was required for early adopters. Then they let you claim free games while a subscriber, but you lost access if you stopped. If you weren’t subscribing you could miss free claims. It was all very manipulative and low value.
To get access on day 1, you had to buy "Founder's Edition" which was the controller and a CCU, though. You also got 3 months of Stadia Pro with that. I was never a subscriber, other than that free 3 months, but I did buy a few Stadia games over the last few years and it worked really well for me.
Like I said before though, the messaging/marketing about the Stadia Pro subscription was TERRIBLE. Your misconception about it is VERY common
FWIW, the subscription wasn't required. It just got you discounts on games, access to a rotating collection of "free" games, and 4k streaming (rather than 1080p you get without a subscription).
Their communication about all of this really sucked though, because most critics who didn't try Stadia (and even some who did) thought the subscription was required to use it at all.