GeoGuessr Faces Backlash Amid Poor Steam Ratings

GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a Steam adaptation of the wildly popular browser game, launched on May 8 but has shockingly become Steam's second-lowest rated game ever.

The original browser-based GeoGuessr thrives with 85 million players, offering extensive customization—letting users choose opponents, map types (urban/rural), specific regions, and control movement/zoom options (including NMPZ mode), alongside countless community-created maps.

Since its Steam debut last Wednesday, over 3,000 user reviews reveal an 84% negative rating. Players overwhelmingly criticize the free-to-play version's aggressive monetization and stripped-down features compared to its browser counterpart.

Frustrations mount further: Steam accounts permanently link to browser profiles without unlinking options, logging out is impossible, solo practice modes are absent, and free matches appear bot-filled. Most glaringly, browser subscription perks don’t transfer to Steam.

The developer clarifies in FAQs that only Elite Yearly subscribers gain full Steam access. Unlike the browser's annual model, Steam’s Early Access offers a one-time $30 "Steam Pass" for yearly unlocks, promising refinements through player feedback.

Steam forums and Reddit threads reflect widespread disappointment. Marketed as free-to-play, the Steam version barely provides an hour of content—just Duels mode in the Amateur Division. Advancing requires a $30 upfront payment (no monthly billing), with no alternative modes currently available.

The browser game also limits free play (three rounds/day), requiring subscriptions: Pro Basic ($2.49/month), Pro Unlimited ($2.99), or Pro Elite ($4.99)—with Steam access exclusive to the latter two.

GeoGuessr told IGN the Steam launch fulfills community demand, enabling cross-platform exploration, Steam social features, and enhanced anti-cheat tools. Marketing head Tomas Jonson acknowledged Early Access limitations, confirming plans to expand free/paid features amid player requests for one-time purchases.

Citing ongoing Google Street View licensing costs, the studio adopted a browser-like monetization approach—albeit with Steam’s non-recurring yearly pass.

A six-month Early Access phase will introduce new modes, maps, and competitive elements. "This is just the beginning," Jonson emphasized, pledging ongoing community collaboration.