GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a reimagined version of the beloved browser game, hit Steam on May 8 but quickly became the second-worst rated game of all time on the platform. While the original browser version of GeoGuessr enjoys immense popularity with 85 million players and a wide array of customization options—from choosing opponents to selecting specific maps, urban or rural settings, geographical regions, and toggling movement, pan, and zoom functions—the Steam version has fallen short of expectations.
Since its release last Wednesday, over 3,000 user reviews have been posted, with a staggering 84% of them being negative. Players are particularly vocal about the game's monetization model and the noticeable lack of gameplay options compared to the browser version.
Only 16% of user reviews are positive as of May 13. Image credit: Steam / GeoGuessr.
The dissatisfaction doesn't end there. Players who link their browser GeoGuessr account to their Steam account find themselves unable to unlink or log out of the Steam version. Solo play, even for practice, is unavailable, and the free amateur mode is reportedly filled with bots instead of real players. Additionally, paid features from the browser version do not transfer to the Steam edition, which has come as a shock to many.
GeoGuessr's developers have addressed these concerns in their FAQs, noting that "having a GeoGuessr browser subscription does not grant you full access to the GeoGuessr Steam Edition, unless you have an Elite Yearly subscription." The Steam Edition's Steam Pass is a "one-time purchase giving you access to the full game for the year," and it's labeled 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 feature limitations have caught players off-guard, as evident from discussions on Steam forums and GeoGuessr's subreddit.
Although labeled as free-to-play, the Steam version of GeoGuessr offers less than an hour of free content, featuring only the Duels mode and the Amateur Division league. Access to higher ranks requires a $30 one-off payment for a $2.50 monthly subscription. Currently, there are no other modes available.
GeoGuessr's three premium plans for its browser game. Image credit: GeoGuessr.
For context, the browser version isn't entirely free either; it allows three rounds a day without a subscription. To unlock all modes, players need to subscribe to one of three premium tiers: Pro Basic at $2.49 a month, Pro Unlimited at $2.99 per month, or Pro Elite at $4.99 per month, with the latter two including access to the Steam game.
In an exclusive statement to IGN, GeoGuessr expressed excitement about launching on Steam, a long-standing request from the community. The move aligns with their vision of making the game accessible across different platforms, offering benefits like connecting with Steam friends and enhanced anti-cheat measures, which are critical to the community due to ongoing issues with cheating in the browser version.
Tomas Jonson, head of marketing, described the Steam launch as a "major milestone" and emphasized that the game is in Early Access. He acknowledged feedback about the monetization model, with many players favoring a one-time purchase approach. Jonson explained that due to ongoing costs associated with Google Street View data, the Steam edition follows a model similar to the browser game, with the key difference being the non-recurring yearly purchase of the Steam Pass.
GeoGuessr plans to keep the Steam version in early access for at least six months, during which time they will introduce new features and enhance the overall experience based on player feedback. The developer aims to expand the game with new modes, maps, and competitive features, and remains committed to working closely with the community as they further develop the Steam Edition.
