GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a reimagining of the beloved browser game, was released on Steam on May 8, yet it has quickly become the second-worst rated game of all time on the platform. The original browser version of GeoGuessr enjoys tremendous success, with 85 million players and extensive customization options. Players can tailor their experience by choosing opponents, selecting maps, deciding between urban or rural settings, restricting spawns to specific regions, and toggling movement, pan, and zoom functionalities, including the popular No Move, Pan, or Zoom (NMPZ) mode. Additionally, the browser game boasts a plethora of community-created custom maps.
However, the Steam version has received overwhelmingly negative feedback. Out of over 3,000 user reviews since its launch, 84% are negative, with many players criticizing the game's monetization system and the significant reduction in gameplay options compared to the browser edition.
Just 16% of user reviews are positive as of May 13. Image credit: Steam / GeoGuessr.
Additional frustrations for GeoGuessr fans include the inability to unlink a browser account from a Steam account or log out of the Steam version. Players cannot play solo, even to practice, and the free amateur mode appears to be populated predominantly by bots rather than human players. Moreover, purchasing features for the browser version does not grant access to the same features on Steam.
In defense, GeoGuessr clarifies in its FAQs that a browser subscription does not automatically grant full access to the Steam Edition, except for those with an Elite Yearly subscription. The Steam Edition's Steam Pass is a one-time purchase that provides a year's access, and it is marked as an early access title, allowing for gameplay refinement and the introduction of new features based on player feedback.
Despite these clarifications, the monetization model and lack of features have surprised and disappointed many players, as evident from discussions on Steam forums and GeoGuessr's subreddit. The Steam version, although free-to-play, offers less than an hour of free content, featuring only the Duels mode and the Amateur Division league. To access higher ranks, players must subscribe to a $2.50 monthly plan, which requires a $30 upfront payment.
GeoGuessr's three premium plans for its browser game. Image credit: GeoGuessr.
The browser game, while not free, allows three rounds per day without a subscription. To unlock all modes, players must subscribe to one of three premium tiers: Pro Basic at $2.49 a month, Pro Unlimited at $2.99 a month, or Pro Elite at $4.99 a month, with the latter two including free access to the Steam game.
In an exclusive statement to IGN, GeoGuessr expressed excitement about the Steam release, a long-standing request from their community. The company emphasized its vision of making the game accessible across platforms, highlighting new possibilities like connecting with Steam friends and enhanced anti-cheat functionality. The latter is particularly important to the GeoGuessr community, which has struggled with cheating in the browser game.
Head of marketing, Tomas Jonson, described the Steam launch as a major milestone and the beginning of further development. He acknowledged the feedback regarding the game's monetization, with many players preferring a one-time purchase model. Jonson explained that the costs associated with Google Street View data, which are ongoing and tied to the number of games played, influenced the Steam edition's monetization model, which is similar to the browser game's but features a non-recurring yearly purchase for the Steam Pass.
GeoGuessr plans to keep the Steam version in early access for at least six months, during which it will introduce new features and improve the overall experience based on player feedback. The company aims to expand the game with new modes, maps, and competitive features. Jonson concluded by expressing appreciation for the high engagement and feedback, promising to continue working closely with the community as they develop the Steam Edition further.
