GeoGuessr Responds to Feedback as Steam Edition Nears Bottom of Valve's Ratings

The Steam Edition of GeoGuessr, a reimagined version of the beloved browser game, was released on May 8. Despite its recent launch, it has quickly become the second-worst rated game of all time on Steam.

The browser version of GeoGuessr has seen tremendous success, with 85 million players enjoying a wide array of customization options. These options allow players to tailor their experience by choosing opponents, selecting specific maps, deciding between urban or rural settings, restricting spawns to certain geographical areas, and toggling movement, panning, and zooming capabilities—including the NMPZ (no move, pan, or zoom) mode. The community has also contributed a variety of custom maps, enriching the gameplay further.

In contrast, the Steam version has received overwhelmingly negative feedback. Out of over 3,000 reviews left since its launch on May 8, a staggering 84% are negative. Players are particularly vocal about the game's monetization system and the limited gameplay options when compared to the browser edition.

As of May 13, only 16% of user reviews are positive. Image credit: Steam / GeoGuessr.

Several issues have been highlighted by the community. Linking a browser GeoGuessr account to a Steam account is permanent and cannot be undone, and there's no option to log out of the Steam version. Additionally, players cannot practice alone, and the free amateur mode appears to be populated with bots rather than human opponents. Most notably, features unlocked by paying for the browser version do not transfer to the Steam Edition.

GeoGuessr has addressed these concerns in its FAQs, stating that a browser subscription does not automatically grant 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 to the full game. The game is also in early access, allowing for refinements and new features based on player feedback.

Despite these clarifications, the monetization model and feature limitations have surprised and disappointed many players. While the Steam Edition is marketed as free-to-play, it offers less than an hour of free content, featuring only the Duels mode in the Amateur Division. To access higher ranks and additional modes, players must purchase a $30 upfront subscription for a year.

For comparison, the browser version of GeoGuessr is not entirely free either. Players can enjoy three rounds daily for free, but to access all modes, a subscription to one of three premium tiers is required: Pro Basic at $2.49 a month, Pro Unlimited at $2.99 a month, or Pro Elite at $4.99 a month. Only the latter two include free access to the Steam game.

In an exclusive statement to IGN, GeoGuessr expressed excitement about bringing the game to Steam, a long-requested move by the community. The developers see the Steam platform as a way to align with their vision of making the game accessible across various platforms, and it offers new possibilities such as connecting with Steam friends and enhancing anti-cheat measures, which are crucial for the GeoGuessr community plagued by cheating in the browser version.

Tomas Jonson, head of marketing at GeoGuessr, acknowledged the early access status of the Steam Edition, emphasizing the company's commitment to expanding and improving both the free and paid experiences. Feedback has primarily focused on the game's monetization, with many players advocating for a one-time purchase model. However, due to ongoing costs associated with Google Street View data, the Steam edition follows a model similar to the browser game, with the main difference being the non-recurring yearly purchase of the Steam Pass.

GeoGuessr plans to keep the Steam Edition in early access for at least six months, during which they will introduce new features, modes, maps, and competitive elements, aiming to enhance the overall experience based on direct player feedback. Jonson concluded by expressing appreciation for the community's engagement and feedback, promising continued collaboration as they develop the Steam Edition further.