GeoGuessr Responds to Feedback Amid Plummeting Steam Ratings

GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a reimagined version of the beloved browser game, launched on Steam on May 8, but it has quickly become the second-worst rated game on the platform. While the browser version of GeoGuessr enjoys a massive following of 85 million players and offers extensive customization options—such as choosing opponents, maps, urban or rural settings, geographical restrictions, and toggling movement, panning, and zooming—the Steam version has drawn significant ire from its community.

Since its release last Wednesday, over 3,000 user reviews have been posted, with a staggering 84% of them being negative. Players are primarily frustrated with the game's monetization system and the limited gameplay options compared to the browser edition. As of May 13, only 16% of the reviews are positive, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction.

Image credit: Steam / GeoGuessr.

Several other issues have also surfaced. Players cannot unlink their browser GeoGuessr account from their Steam account, nor can they log out of the Steam version. Solo play for practice is unavailable, and the free amateur mode appears to be dominated by bots rather than real players. Moreover, even if players pay for features in the browser version, these do not transfer to the Steam edition.

GeoGuessr has addressed these concerns in its FAQs, noting that a browser subscription does not automatically grant full access to the Steam Edition unless it's an Elite Yearly subscription. The Steam Edition's Steam Pass is a one-time purchase providing a year's access to the full game. As an early access title, GeoGuessr aims to refine gameplay, introduce new features, and enhance the player experience with direct feedback.

Despite these clarifications, the monetization model and feature limitations have shocked many players, as evidenced by discussions on Steam forums and the GeoGuessr subreddit. The Steam version, although labeled as free-to-play, offers limited content, with only the Duels mode in the Amateur Division available without a subscription. The $30 one-off payment for a $2.50 monthly subscription is required to access higher ranks, and no other modes are currently available.

Image credit: GeoGuessr.

The browser version of GeoGuessr is also not free, allowing 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, which had been long requested by the community. The company highlighted the benefits of the Steam platform, including integration with Steam friends and enhanced anti-cheat functionality, which is crucial for combating cheating that has plagued the browser version.

Tomas Jonson, head of marketing at GeoGuessr, stated that the Steam edition's launch marks a significant milestone, but it is just the beginning. The game is in Early Access, and the company is committed to expanding and improving both free and paid experiences. Much of the initial feedback has focused on the monetization model, with many players preferring a one-time purchase option.

Jonson explained that due to the ongoing costs associated with Google Street View data, the Steam edition follows a similar monetization model to the browser game, with the main difference 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, during which time it will introduce new features, modes, maps, and competitive elements. The company values the high engagement and feedback from players and will continue to work closely with the community to further develop the Steam Edition.