GeoGuessr Steam Edition Hits Low Ratings on Valve Platform

Released on May 8, GeoGuessr Steam Edition is a reimagining of the beloved browser game, yet it has quickly become the second-worst rated title in Steam's history.

The browser-based GeoGuessr is a massive success, with 85 million players and extensive customization. Users can choose opponents, select maps, set urban or rural locations, limit regions, adjust movement, panning, and zooming — or play with no movement, pan, or zoom (NMPZ). It also features a wealth of community-created custom maps.

Since its launch last Wednesday, the Steam version has garnered over 3,000 user reviews, 84% of which are negative. Critics primarily target the free-to-play monetization and the stark reduction in gameplay options compared to the browser edition.

But that's not the only issue frustrating fans. Linking your browser account to Steam is permanent and irreversible, and you cannot log out of the Steam client. There is no option for solo play, even for practice. The free amateur mode appears populated by bots rather than real players. Most surprisingly, purchases and subscriptions from the browser version do not transfer to Steam.

GeoGuessr does address this in its FAQ, stating that a browser subscription does not grant full Steam access unless it's an Elite Yearly plan. Unlike the browser's annual subscription, the Steam Pass is a "one-time purchase providing full access for a year." The title is also clearly marked as Early Access, allowing for refinements and new features based on player feedback.

Nevertheless, discussions on Steam and Reddit reveal widespread player shock at the monetization and limited features.

Though labeled free-to-play, the Steam edition offers less than an hour of free content (our playthrough confirmed this). It features only one mode, Duels, where you supposedly compete against another player, and one league: the Amateur Division. Without the $30 upfront payment for the monthly subscription (billed as a one-time yearly fee), you cannot access higher ranks. No other modes are currently available.

It's worth noting that the browser game is not free either. While it allows three free rounds daily, full access requires a premium subscription: Pro Basic at $2.49/month, Pro Unlimited at $2.99/month, or Pro Elite at $4.99/month. Only the latter two include access to the Steam edition.

In a statement to IGN, GeoGuessr expressed excitement about launching on Steam, a long-requested move by the community. They stated the release aligns with their goal of letting everyone explore the world on their preferred platform, adding that Steam enables new possibilities like connecting with friends and enhanced anti-cheat functionality.

This anti-cheat capability is crucial. The browser game has long struggled with cheaters using exploits, bots, or outright Google searches, violating community rules. The developers likely hope Steam's infrastructure will help curb this widespread cheating.

"This is a major milestone for us, and also just the beginning," said Head of Marketing Tomas Jonson. "The game is in Early Access, and we are committed to improving both free and paid experiences. Much feedback has focused on monetization, with many players preferring a one-time purchase model."

The developer explained that because GeoGuessr relies on Google Street View data, with costs tied to the number of games played, the Steam edition follows "a model similar to the browser game."

"The key exception is that the Steam Pass is a non-recurring yearly purchase," Jonson noted.

GeoGuessr plans to keep the Steam version in Early Access for at least six months, introducing new features and refining the experience based on direct player feedback. Its Steam page also mentions plans to expand with "new modes, maps, and competitive features."

"We greatly appreciate the high engagement and all the feedback received. We will continue listening and working with the community as we develop the Steam Edition further," Jonson concluded.