GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a reimagined version of the beloved browser game, launched on Steam on May 8. Despite its short time on the platform, it has quickly become the second-worst rated game of all time on Steam. The original browser version of GeoGuessr has been a massive success, with 85 million players and extensive customization options. Players can tailor their experience by choosing opponents, selecting maps, deciding between urban or rural settings, restricting spawns to specific regions, and toggling movement, panning, or zooming capabilities, including the popular No Move, Pan, Zoom (NMPZ) mode. Additionally, the browser game offers a plethora of community-created custom maps, enhancing the overall experience.
However, the Steam version has received a starkly different reception. Out of over 3,000 user reviews since its launch, 84% are negative, primarily due to the game's monetization system and the lack of gameplay options compared to its browser counterpart. As of May 13, only 16% of reviews were positive, highlighting significant dissatisfaction among players.
Just 16% of user reviews are positive as of May 13. Image credit: Steam / GeoGuessr.
Several issues have been raised by the GeoGuessr community regarding the Steam Edition. Players cannot unlink their browser accounts from Steam nor log out of the Steam version. Solo play is not an option, even for practice, and the free amateur mode appears to be filled with bots rather than real players. Perhaps most frustratingly, paying for features in the browser version does not unlock them in the Steam Edition.
GeoGuessr's FAQs do clarify 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 of access, unlike the browser's annual subscription model. The game is also marked as an early access title, allowing for gameplay refinement and the introduction of new features based on player feedback.
Despite these clarifications, the monetization model and feature limitations have surprised and disappointed players, as evident from discussions on Steam forums and the GeoGuessr subreddit. While the game is labeled as free-to-play, the content available without payment is limited to roughly an hour's worth of play, confined to the Duels mode in the Amateur Division. To access higher ranks, players must subscribe to the $2.50 monthly plan, which requires a one-time payment of $30.
GeoGuessr's three premium plans for its browser game. Image credit: GeoGuessr.
It's important to note that the browser version of GeoGuessr is not entirely free either. Players can enjoy three rounds daily without cost, but to access all modes, a subscription to one of three premium tiers is necessary: Pro Basic at $2.49 a month, Pro Unlimited at $2.99 per month, or Pro Elite at $4.99 per 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 the Steam launch, which they said aligns with their vision of making the game accessible across different platforms. The company highlighted new possibilities on Steam, such as connecting with Steam friends and enhanced anti-cheat functionality, which is crucial to addressing the cheating issues that have long plagued the browser game.
Tomas Jonson, head of marketing at GeoGuessr, described the Steam launch as a major milestone but emphasized that it is just the beginning. The game is currently in Early Access, and the developers are committed to expanding and improving both the free and paid experiences based on player feedback. Jonson noted that much of the feedback centers on the game's monetization, with many players preferring a one-time purchase model. However, due to ongoing costs associated with Google Street View data, the Steam edition follows a similar model to the browser game, with the key difference being the non-recurring yearly purchase of the Steam Pass.
GeoGuessr plans to keep the Steam version in early access for at least six months, during which they will introduce new features and refine the game based on direct player feedback. The company also aims to expand the Steam game with new modes, maps, and competitive features. Jonson concluded by expressing appreciation for the high engagement and feedback from players, promising to continue working closely with the community to develop the Steam Edition further.
