GeoGuessr Responds to Feedback as Steam Version Nears Bottom Ratings

GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a Steam reimagining of one of the world's most beloved browser games, was released on May 8. Despite its recent launch, it has quickly become the second-worst rated game of all time on Steam. This is a stark contrast to the browser version of GeoGuessr, which has enjoyed tremendous success with 85 million players and a wide range of customization options. Players can tailor their experience, choosing opponents, maps, urban or rural settings, geographical regions, and whether they can move, pan, or zoom, including the no-move, pan, or zoom (NMPZ) option. Additionally, the browser version offers a plethora of community-made custom maps.

Since its launch last Wednesday, the Steam version has garnered over 3,000 user reviews, with a staggering 84% of them being negative. The primary grievances revolve around the game's monetization system and the significant reduction in gameplay options compared to the browser version.

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

Beyond the monetization and feature issues, GeoGuessr fans are also frustrated by several other limitations. If you link your browser GeoGuessr account to your Steam account, you cannot unlink it, and you cannot log out of the Steam version. Solo play is not available, even for practice, and the free amateur mode seems to be full of bots rather than real players. Perhaps most frustratingly, even if you pay for features on the browser version, these do not carry over to Steam.

In defense of these issues, GeoGuessr clarifies in its FAQs 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 is marked as an early access title, allowing for gameplay refinement and the addition of new features based on player feedback.

Despite these clarifications, the Steam discussion forums and GeoGuessr's subreddit reflect widespread surprise and dissatisfaction with the monetization model and lack of features. Although marketed 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, Amateur Division. Without purchasing the $2.50 monthly subscription, which requires a $30 upfront payment, players cannot access higher ranks or other modes.

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

It's important to note that the browser version of GeoGuessr is also not entirely free. While players can enjoy three rounds a day without cost, 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 latter two include free access to the Steam game.

In an exclusive statement to IGN, GeoGuessr expressed excitement about launching on Steam, a platform long requested by their community. The rollout aligns with their vision of allowing everyone to explore the world, regardless of their preferred platform. GeoGuessr highlighted new possibilities such as connecting with Steam friends and enhancing anti-cheat functionality, which is crucial for combating the cheating that has long plagued the browser game.

Head of marketing, Tomas Jonson, emphasized that this launch is "a major milestone for us, and also just the beginning." He acknowledged the game's early access status and the company's commitment to expanding and improving both the free and paid experiences. Much of the feedback has centered 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's model mirrors that of the browser game, with the exception 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" to introduce new features and ensure the best possible experience with direct feedback from players. The company aims to "expand" the Steam game with "new modes, maps, and competitive features."

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