GeoGuessr Responds to Feedback as Steam Edition Nears Bottom of Valve's 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. The browser version of GeoGuessr has thrived with 85 million players and extensive customization options, allowing players to tailor their experience extensively. These options include selecting opponents, choosing maps, deciding between urban or rural settings, restricting spawns to specific regions, and toggling movement, panning, and zooming capabilities, including the unique no-move, no-pan, no-zoom (NMPZ) mode. Additionally, the browser game features a variety of community-created custom maps.

In stark contrast, the Steam version has received overwhelmingly negative feedback. Out of over 3,000 reviews since its launch on May 8, a staggering 84% are negative, with players primarily criticizing the monetization system and the lack of gameplay options compared to the browser version.

Only 16% of user reviews for the Steam version were positive as of May 13. Image credit: Steam / GeoGuessr.

Several issues have been highlighted by the community. Firstly, once you link your browser GeoGuessr account to your Steam account, you cannot unlink them or log out from the Steam version. Additionally, players cannot play solo, even for practice, and the free amateur mode appears to be populated mostly by bots rather than human players. Most frustratingly, purchasing features for the browser version does not grant access to them on Steam.

GeoGuessr has addressed these concerns in its FAQs, stating that a browser subscription does not provide full access to the Steam Edition unless you have an Elite Yearly subscription. The Steam Edition's Steam Pass is a one-time purchase that grants full access for a year. It's also marked as an early access title, allowing for gameplay refinement and the addition of new features based on player feedback.

Despite these clarifications, the monetization model and feature limitations have caught many players off guard. The free-to-play Steam version offers less than an hour of content, only the Duels mode, and solely the Amateur Division league. To access higher ranks, players must purchase a $30 upfront payment for a $2.50 monthly subscription. 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 isn't free either; players can play three rounds daily for free, but to unlock all modes, a subscription to one of three premium tiers is required: Pro Basic at $2.49 a month, Pro Unlimited at $2.99 a month, or Pro Elite at $4.99 a 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 bringing their game to Steam, a long-requested feature by the community. The move aligns with their vision of making the game accessible across various platforms. Benefits include connecting with Steam friends and enhancing anti-cheat measures, which have been a significant issue in the browser version due to cheating via exploits, bots, or external help like Google.

Tomas Jonson, head of marketing at GeoGuessr, described the Steam launch as a major milestone and emphasized that the game is in Early Access. They are committed to enhancing both the free and paid experiences over time, with much of the initial feedback focusing on the game's monetization, with players advocating for a one-time purchase model. Jonson highlighted that the costs associated with using Google Street View data, which are ongoing and tied to gameplay volume, influenced the Steam edition's pricing model, which differs slightly with the Steam Pass being a non-recurring yearly purchase.

GeoGuessr plans to keep the Steam version in early access for at least six months, during which they will introduce new features and work closely with the community to improve the game. They aim to expand the Steam game with new modes, maps, and competitive features, appreciating the high engagement and feedback received so far.