GeoGuessr Responds to Feedback Amid Plummeting Steam Ratings

GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a Steam reimagining of one of the world's most beloved browser games, was released on May 8, but it has quickly become the second-worst rated game of all time on Steam. The original browser version of GeoGuessr is incredibly popular, with 85 million players and numerous customization options. These options allow players to customize their opponents, choose specific maps, decide between urban or rural settings, restrict spawns to particular regions, and toggle movement, panning, or zooming capabilities, including the NMPZ (no move, pan, or zoom) mode. Additionally, the browser version offers a wide array of community-created custom maps.

In stark contrast, the Steam version has garnered over 3,000 user reviews since its release last Wednesday, with a staggering 84% of them being negative. The primary grievances center around the free-to-play game's monetization system and the significant lack of gameplay options compared to the browser version.

Just 16% of user reviews are positive as of May 13. Image credit: Steam / GeoGuessr.Other issues frustrating GeoGuessr fans include the inability to unlink a browser account from a Steam account or to log out of the Steam version. Solo play is not available, not even for practice, and the free amateur mode appears to be populated with bots rather than real players. Moreover, purchasing a subscription for the browser version does not unlock features on the Steam edition.

In defense, GeoGuessr clarifies in its FAQs that a browser subscription does not provide 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 grants a year's access to the full game. It's also labeled as an early access title, indicating that the developers plan to refine gameplay, add new features, and enhance the player experience based on direct feedback.

However, the monetization model and feature limitations have surprised many players, as evident from discussions on Steam forums and GeoGuessr's subreddit. Although branded as free-to-play, the Steam version offers less than an hour of free content and only one mode, Duels, within the Amateur Division. To access higher ranks, players must purchase a $30 upfront subscription, billed as $2.50 monthly, with no other modes currently available.

GeoGuessr's three premium plans for its browser game. Image credit: GeoGuessr.While the browser game is also not entirely free, allowing three rounds per day without a subscription, full access requires 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, with the latter two providing free access to the Steam game.

In an exclusive statement to IGN, GeoGuessr expressed excitement about launching the game on Steam, a long-standing request from their community. They highlighted that the Steam version aligns with their goal of making the game accessible across different platforms, offering new possibilities like connecting with Steam friends and implementing additional anti-cheat measures. The community values these anti-cheat functionalities, as the browser game has suffered from cheating issues using exploits, bots, and search engines.

Tomas Jonson, head of marketing, described the Steam launch as a major milestone and the beginning of further development. Currently in Early Access, GeoGuessr is committed to enhancing both free and paid experiences. Much of the feedback has focused on the game's monetization, with many players preferring a one-time purchase model. Jonson noted that the Steam edition's pricing reflects the ongoing costs associated with Google Street View data, similar to the browser game's model, with the main difference being the Steam Pass's non-recurring yearly purchase.

GeoGuessr anticipates 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 elements, aiming to create the best possible experience with direct player feedback. Jonson emphasized their appreciation for the community's engagement and feedback, promising continued collaboration as they develop the Steam Edition further.