State Share

When you play a game that supports State Share, playable segments of the game called "game states" are attached to video clips and screenshots you capture in specific parts of the game. You can replay your own game states, or share them with others to let them jump into specific sections of the game under unique conditions.

Playing a game state won't disrupt your game progression. States can be played as often as you want, and could also earn you a high score or in-game rewards, depending on the game.

To play a game state from a specific game, the game must be in your library. Anyone who plays your game state may be able to view some of your in-game details, such as your character's name, game progress, or inventory.

How game states work

Game states work differently in different games. For example, a game state might take you to the beginning of the level featured in the clip or screenshot, with the custom character, inventory, and health from when you (or another player) created the capture.

Example game state: Hitman

In Hitman 1, 2, and 3, game states are created when you capture a screenshot or video clip during a contract mission or right after you complete it. When you or another player loads the game state, you'll start at the beginning of the contract with the items, suit, starting location, and difficulty setting from when the capture was created. Challenge friends to beat your score or try out a customized contract.

You can play someone else's contract even if you haven't unlocked all the items included in the game state, but you won't be able to keep the items unless you unlock them in your own game.

Note: To play someone else's Hitman game state, the relevant game content (Hitman 1, 2, 3, or an expansion pack) must be in your Stadia library.

View and share game states

Game states are saved automatically to screenshots or video clips you save in specific parts of games that support State Share. When a game state is saved with your capture, a notification will appear on your screen, and Game state will appear over the clip or screenshot in your capture library.

To share a game state with other players:

On your desktop or laptop computer

1. In Google Chrome, sign into your account on stadia.com.
2. Scroll down to your captures. To see all of your captures, click See all.
3. Select a capture with Game state displayed on it.
4. Share the capture. Make sure the box next to "Include your game state" is checked.

On your mobile device

1. On your mobile device, open the Stadia app .
2. Scroll down to see your captures. To see all of your captures, tap See all.
3. Select a capture with Game state displayed on it.
4. Share the capture. Make sure the box next to "Include your game state" is checked.

Note: If you have an iOS device, you cannot share your own game states or play states in the Stadia app , but you can open State Share links in Safari and play game states in a web app.

View and play game states

When someone shares a game state with you, you can play it to experience a unique variation of the game based on that player's gameplay. Playing a game state won't affect the original player's game.

If your mobile device isn't compatible with Stadia, you can cast the game to your Chromecast Ultra.

On your desktop or laptop computer

1. In Google Chrome, view a capture on stadia.com.
   • To view another player's capture, click the capture link they share with you.
   • To view your own capture, sign into your account on stadia.com and go to your capture library.
2. Information about the game state will appear next to the capture. If you don't see this information, click Game state .
3. Click Play on Stadia.
   • Before you play a game state, exit any game you're currently playing.
   • If you don't have an account or aren't signed in, click Join Stadia to Play.
   • If the game isn't in your library, you can choose to purchase it. If the game is included with your active Stadia Pro subscription, you can claim it. After purchasing or claiming the game, click Play to start the game state.
4. Stadia will launch in a new browser tab and the game state will launch.

On a mobile device

1. In your mobile device's web browser, view a capture on stadia.com.
   • To play another player's game state, tap the capture link they share with you.
   • To play your own game state, share a capture with yourself view it on stadia.com.
2. Tap Play on Stadia. If you don't see this button, tap Game state .
   • Before you play a game state, exit any game you're currently playing.
   • If you aren't signed into your Stadia account or don't have one, tap Join Stadia to play. Once you're signed in, you'll have the option to purchase the game if it isn't in your library, or claim it if it's included with your active Stadia Pro subscription.
3. The Stadia app will launch on your device. If your device is compatible with Stadia, tap Play to launch the game. If your device isn't compatible, you can cast the game to a Chromecast Ultra.

A note about add-on content

In order to play some game states, you may need to claim or purchase add-on content first. For example, if you have Hitman 3 in your library but not the Hitman 1 add-on content, you won't be able to play Hitman game states that include Hitman 1 missions. If possible, ask the person who created the state what content you'll need to play the state.

When you try to play a Hitman game state:

• If the game launches but an error message appears: This means that Hitman is in your library but you don't have the required add-on content. After the error appears, buy or claim the missing add-on content in the game or in the Stadia store, then try to play the state again.
• If you're directed to the Stadia store: Select the relevant Hitman bundle or add-on, buy or claim it, then try to play the state again.

Note: If you have an iOS device, you cannot share your own game states or play states in the Stadia app , but you can open State Share links in Safari and play game states in a web app.

If you claim a game with Stadia Pro and then your subscription ends, you'll have to purchase the game or resubscribe to Stadia Pro in order to play any game states associated with it.

Report a game state

To report a game state for a Code of Conduct violation, select More Report this game state.