GeoGuessr Tackles Feedback After Steam Rating Slump

GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a reimagined version of the immensely popular browser game, launched on Steam just May 8th. Despite its highly anticipated release, it has rapidly become the second-worst rated game in Steam's history.

The original browser-based GeoGuessr is a massive success, with 85 million players. It offers extensive customization, allowing users to choose opponents, select specific maps or settings like urban vs. rural, restrict regions, and toggle movement, panning, or zooming options—including the popular NMPZ (No Moving, Panning, or Zooming) mode. A vast array of community-created custom maps further enriches the experience.

In stark contrast, the Steam version has garnered over 3,000 user reviews since its launch, with a devastating 84% being negative. Players primarily criticize its aggressive monetization and the severe lack of gameplay options compared to the feature-rich browser edition.

Frustrations extend beyond monetization. Linking your browser account to Steam is a permanent, one-way street; you cannot unlink the accounts or log out of the Steam client. There is no option for solo play, even for practice. The free amateur mode appears populated by bots rather than real players. Perhaps most shocking to existing fans, purchases and subscriptions from the browser version do not transfer to Steam.

The developer does address some points in its FAQ, clarifying that a browser subscription does not grant Steam access unless it's an Elite Yearly plan. They also note the Steam Pass is a one-time annual purchase, unlike the browser's recurring subscription, and emphasize the game is in Early Access to allow for refinement based on player feedback.

Nevertheless, community discussions on Steam and Reddit reveal widespread shock and disappointment regarding the business model and stripped-down feature set.

Marketed as free-to-play, the Steam edition offers less than an hour of free content (the time it takes to complete its offerings). It features only one mode, Duels—a competitive format against another player—and restricts free users to the Amateur Division. To access higher ranks or any other features, players must buy a $30 annual "Steam Pass," billed as a one-time payment rather than monthly. No other gameplay modes are currently available.

For context, the browser game also operates on a freemium model. While three free daily games are available, full access requires a subscription: Pro Basic at $2.49/month, Pro Unlimited at $2.99/month, or Pro Elite at $4.99/month. Only the Pro Unlimited and Elite tiers include access to the Steam edition.

In a statement to IGN, GeoGuessr expressed excitement about bringing the game to Steam, a long-requested move by the community. They stated it aligns with their goal of making the world explorable on any platform and highlighted new possibilities like connecting with Steam friends and enhanced anti-cheat functionality.

This anti-cheat focus is crucial. The browser game has long struggled with cheaters using bots, exploits, or simply searching on Google. Leveraging Steam's infrastructure may help address this persistent issue.

"This is a major milestone for us, and also just the beginning," said Head of Marketing Tomas Jonson. "The game is in Early Access, and we are committed to expanding and improving both free and paid experiences. We've heard clear feedback on monetization, with many players preferring a one-time purchase model."

The developer explained that ongoing costs for Google Street View data, tied directly to the number of games played, necessitated a subscription-based model similar to the browser version. The key difference is the Steam Pass's non-recurring yearly fee.

GeoGuessr plans to keep the Steam version in Early Access for at least six months, using player feedback to introduce new features and improve the experience. Their Steam page outlines goals to expand the game with new modes, maps, and competitive features.

"We greatly appreciate the high engagement and all the player feedback received so far. We will continue listening closely and working with the community as we develop the Steam Edition further," Jonson concluded.