GeoGuessr Responds to Criticism as Steam Version Nears Bottom of Valve's Ratings

GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a Steam reimagining of one of the world's best-loved browser games, was released on May 8, but it has quickly become the second-worst rated game of all time on Steam. The browser version of GeoGuessr has been tremendously successful, boasting 85 million players and a vast array of customization options. These options allow players to tailor their gameplay, including choosing opponents, selecting specific maps, deciding between urban or rural settings, restricting spawns to certain geographical regions, and toggling movement, panning, or zooming capabilities, including the option to play in a no-move, no-pan, no-zoom (NMPZ) mode. Additionally, the browser version offers a wide range of community-made custom maps.

However, the Steam version has not fared well, with over 3,000 user reviews since its launch last Wednesday, 84% of which are negative. The majority of the criticism centers around the game's monetization system and the stark lack of gameplay options compared to its browser counterpart.

Just 16% of user reviews are positive as of May 13. Image credit: Steam / GeoGuessr.

GeoGuessr fans are also frustrated by several other issues with the Steam version. Linking a browser GeoGuessr account to a Steam account is irreversible, and users cannot unlink it nor log out of the Steam version. Solo play, even for practice, is not available. The free amateur mode seems to be populated with bots rather than real-life players. Most surprisingly, even if players pay to unlock features on the browser version, these do not carry over to Steam.

In defense of the game, GeoGuessr has made these limitations clear in its FAQs. The developer states that "having a GeoGuessr browser subscription does not grant you full access to the GeoGuessr Steam Edition, unless you have an Elite Yearly subscription." Unlike the browser edition, which requires an annual payment, the Steam Edition Steam Pass is a "one-time purchase giving you access to the full game for the year." The game is also marked as an early access title, allowing the developers to refine gameplay, introduce new features, and ensure the best possible experience with direct feedback from players.

Despite these clarifications, the monetization model and lack of features have taken players by surprise, as evident from both the Steam discussion forums and GeoGuessr's subreddit. Although sold as free-to-play, the Steam version offers less than an hour's worth of free content, featuring only one mode, Duels, and one league, the Amateur Division. To access higher ranks, players must purchase a $2.50 monthly subscription, which requires a $30 upfront one-off payment. Currently, no other modes are available.

GeoGuessr's three premium plans for its browser game. Image credit: GeoGuessr.

To be clear, the GeoGuessr browser game is not free either. While players can enjoy three rounds a day for free, unlocking all modes requires a subscription 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. Only the Pro Unlimited and Pro Elite subscriptions include free access to the Steam game.

In an exclusive statement to IGN, GeoGuessr expressed excitement about having a first version of their game available on Steam, a long-standing request from their community. The developers noted that the Steam rollout "aligns with its vision of letting everyone explore the world, regardless of their preferred platform." They highlighted new possibilities such as connecting with Steam friends and enabling additional anti-cheat functionality, which is crucial to the GeoGuessr community due to the browser game's issues with cheaters using exploits, bots, or Google searches.

Head of marketing, Tomas Jonson, described the Steam release as "a major milestone" and "just the beginning." He emphasized that the game is in Early Access, and the team is committed to expanding and improving both the free and paid experiences. Jonson acknowledged that much of the feedback has focused on the game's monetization, with many players wishing for a one-time purchase model. He explained that due to the ongoing costs associated with Google Street View data, the Steam edition follows a similar model to the browser game, with the main exception being that the Steam Pass is a non-recurring yearly purchase.

GeoGuessr plans to keep the Steam version in early access for "at least six months" and aims to introduce new features and ensure the best possible experience with direct player feedback. The Steam page also mentions plans to "expand" the game with "new modes, maps, and competitive features."

Jonson concluded by expressing appreciation for the high engagement and feedback received so far, promising to continue listening closely and working with the community to further develop the Steam Edition.