GeoGuessr Responds to Feedback Amid Poor Steam Reviews

GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a reimagined version of the immensely popular browser game, launched on Steam on May 8. Despite its recent release, it has already earned the dubious distinction of being the second-worst rated game of all time on Steam. The original browser version of GeoGuessr has attracted a staggering 85 million players, offering extensive customization options that allow users to personalize their gameplay experience. Players can choose their opponents, select specific maps, decide between urban or rural settings, limit spawns to certain geographic areas, and toggle movement, panning, or zooming capabilities, including the no-movement, pan, or zoom (NMPZ) mode. Additionally, the browser version is enriched with a variety of community-created custom maps.

However, the Steam version has received a largely negative reception. Out of over 3,000 user reviews since its launch last Wednesday, a staggering 84% are negative. Players have expressed frustration over the game's monetization system and its significantly reduced set of gameplay options compared to the browser version.

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

Beyond these issues, GeoGuessr fans are also upset about several other aspects of the Steam Edition. Linking a browser GeoGuessr account to a Steam account is a one-way street; once linked, you cannot unlink it, and you cannot log out of the Steam version. Solo play for practice is unavailable, and the free amateur mode seems to be full of bots rather than real players. Most surprisingly, purchasing features on the browser version does not carry over to Steam.

In defense, GeoGuessr's FAQs clarify that a browser subscription does not automatically grant full access to the Steam Edition, except for those with an Elite Yearly subscription. The Steam Edition's Steam Pass, unlike the annual subscription required for the browser version, is a "one-time purchase giving you access to the full game for the year." It is also designated as an early access title, allowing the developers to refine the game, introduce new features, and enhance the player experience based on direct feedback.

Despite these clarifications, the monetization model and limited features have caught many players off guard, as evident from discussions on Steam forums and GeoGuessr's subreddit.

Although marketed as free-to-play, the Steam Edition offers less than an hour of free content, featuring only one mode, Duels, and one league, Amateur Division. To access higher ranks, players must purchase the $2.50 monthly subscription, which requires a $30 upfront one-off payment. No other modes are currently available.

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

It's worth noting that the browser version of GeoGuessr is also not entirely free. Users can play three rounds daily at no cost, 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 per month, or Pro Elite at $4.99 per month. Only the latter two subscriptions include free access to the Steam game.

In an exclusive statement to IGN, GeoGuessr expressed excitement about bringing a version of their game to Steam, a long-standing request from their community. They highlighted the alignment with their vision of making the game accessible across platforms, citing new possibilities such as connecting with Steam friends and enhancing anti-cheat functionality, which is vital to the community due to ongoing issues with cheating in the browser version.

Tomas Jonson, head of marketing, emphasized that the Steam Edition is in Early Access and a "major milestone" for GeoGuessr, but also "just the beginning." The company is committed to expanding and improving both the free and paid experiences based on feedback. Jonson acknowledged the community's preference for a one-time purchase model but explained that, due to ongoing costs associated with Google Street View data, the Steam edition follows a similar model to the browser game, with the main difference being the non-recurring yearly purchase of the Steam Pass.

GeoGuessr anticipates that the Steam version will remain in early access for at least six months, during which time they plan to introduce new features, modes, maps, and competitive features. Jonson concluded by expressing appreciation for the high engagement and feedback, reaffirming their commitment to working closely with the community to develop the Steam Edition further.