GeoGuessr Addresses User Backlash After Poor Steam Reviews

GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a new version of the popular online geography game released on Steam on May 8, has quickly become the second-lowest rated game in Steam's history.

The original browser-based GeoGuessr is a massive success, with 85 million players and extensive customization options. Users can choose opponents, map types, urban or rural locations, limit gameplay to specific regions, and control movement, panning, and zooming—or play with no movement, panning, or zooming (NMPZ). The game also features a wide variety of community-created custom maps.

Since its release last Wednesday, the Steam version has received over 3,000 user reviews, 84% of which are negative. Players criticize the free-to-play title's monetization approach and limited gameplay features compared to the browser edition.

But monetization isn't the only issue bothering fans. If you link your browser GeoGuessr account with Steam, you cannot unlink it and you cannot log out of the Steam version. There is no solo play option, even for practice. The free amateur mode appears to be populated by bots rather than real players. Most surprisingly, purchasing features in the browser version does not transfer to the Steam edition.

GeoGuessr does clarify this in its FAQs, noting that "a GeoGuessr browser subscription does not give you full access to the Steam Edition unless you have an Elite Yearly subscription." Unlike the browser version, which uses an annual billing model, the Steam Pass is a "one-time purchase providing full access for one year." The game is also clearly labeled as an early access title, allowing the developers to refine gameplay, add features, and "deliver the best experience using direct player feedback."

Still, discussions on Steam forums and GeoGuessr’s subreddit show that players are taken aback by the monetization and limited feature set.

Although marketed as free-to-play, the Steam edition offers under an hour of free content (as we experienced), includes only one mode—Duels, where you compete against another player—and restricts free players to the Amateur Division. Without the $30 annual Steam Pass (equivalent to $2.50 per month, billed upfront), players cannot advance to higher ranks. No other modes are currently available.

It's worth noting that the browser version isn't entirely free, either. While users can play three rounds per day at no cost, accessing all modes requires a subscription to one of three premium tiers: Pro Basic at $2.49 per month, Pro Unlimited at $2.99 per month, or Pro Elite at $4.99 per month. Only the top two tiers include complimentary access to the Steam game.

In an exclusive statement to IGN, GeoGuessr expressed excitement about "bringing a first version of the game to Steam, a move highly requested by our community." The team stated that the Steam release "supports our goal of making the world explorable from any platform," and highlighted benefits such as "connecting with Steam friends and enabling stronger anti-cheat measures."

Anti-cheat is a major concern for the GeoGuessr community. The browser game has long struggled with players using exploits, bots, or external tools like Google—clear violations of community guidelines. The developers may be counting on Steam’s infrastructure to help tackle this issue.

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

The developer explained that because GeoGuessr uses Google Street View data, "where costs are ongoing and depend on the number of games played," the Steam edition follows "a model similar to the browser game."

"The key difference is that the Steam Pass is a non-recurring annual purchase," Jonson added.

GeoGuessr expects the Steam version to remain in early access for at least six months, during which it will "introduce new features and refine the player experience using direct feedback." The Steam store page also mentions plans to "expand the game with new modes, maps, and competitive features."

"We truly value the high level of engagement and all the feedback we've received. We'll keep listening and working with the community as we continue developing the Steam Edition," Jonson concluded.