GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a Steam reimagining of one of the world's best-loved 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.
The browser version of GeoGuessr has been tremendously successful, amassing 85 million players. It offers a wide range of customization options, allowing players to tailor their experience extensively. These options include choosing opponents, selecting specific maps, deciding between urban or rural settings, restricting spawns to certain geographical regions, and toggling the ability to move, pan, or zoom—or choosing not to move, pan, or zoom (NMPZ). Additionally, the browser version features a variety of community-made custom maps.
Since its launch last Wednesday, the Steam version has garnered over 3,000 user reviews, with 84% of them being negative. The majority of the criticism centers on the game's monetization system and the limited gameplay options compared to the browser edition.
Just 16% of user reviews are positive as of May 13. Image credit: Steam / GeoGuessr.
Beyond the monetization issues, GeoGuessr fans have other concerns. Linking a browser GeoGuessr account to a Steam account is permanent and cannot be undone, and users cannot log out of the Steam version. Solo play is unavailable, even for practice, and the free amateur mode seems to be filled with bots rather than real players. Moreover, purchasing features on the browser version does not transfer to the Steam edition.
In defense, GeoGuessr clarifies in its FAQs that a browser subscription does not 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 that provides full access for a year. It 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 lack of features have surprised players, as evidenced by discussions on Steam forums and GeoGuessr's subreddit.
Although labeled as free-to-play, the Steam version offers less than an hour of free content, featuring only the Duels mode in the Amateur Division. To access higher ranks, players must subscribe to a $2.50 monthly plan, which requires a $30 upfront payment. Currently, no other modes are available.
GeoGuessr's three premium plans for its browser game. Image credit: GeoGuessr.
It's worth noting that the browser version of GeoGuessr is not entirely free either. Players can enjoy three rounds daily for free, but to unlock all modes, a subscription to one of three premium tiers is necessary: 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 tiers include free access to the Steam game.
In an exclusive statement to IGN, GeoGuessr expressed excitement about the Steam version's launch, which was highly requested by the community. The company aims to align with its vision of allowing everyone to explore the world, regardless of their preferred platform. The Steam version introduces new possibilities, such as connecting with Steam friends and enhancing anti-cheat functionality, which is crucial to the GeoGuessr community due to ongoing issues with cheating in the browser version.
Tomas Jonson, head of marketing at GeoGuessr, described the Steam launch as a "major milestone" and "just the beginning." He emphasized that the game is in Early Access, and the team is committed to expanding and improving both the free and paid experiences. Much of the feedback has focused on the monetization model, with many players preferring a one-time purchase option.
GeoGuessr explained that the Steam edition's model is similar to the browser game's, with the main difference being the Steam Pass's non-recurring yearly purchase. This is due to the ongoing costs associated with Google Street View data, which are tied to the number of games played.
The Steam version is expected to remain in early access for at least six months, during which time GeoGuessr plans to introduce new features, modes, maps, and competitive elements based on player feedback. Jonson concluded by highlighting the company's appreciation for the high engagement and feedback received so far, and their commitment to working closely with the community to further develop the Steam Edition.
