GeoGuessr Steam Edition, a Steam adaptation of the globally adored browser game, launched on May 8 and has already become the second-worst rated game of all time on Steam.
The original browser version of GeoGuessr has achieved massive success, attracting over 85 million players worldwide. It offers an impressive array of customization features, allowing users to personalize their gameplay experience by selecting opponents, map types, environments (urban or rural), geographical restrictions, and movement settings — including the popular No Move, Pan, or Zoom (NMPZ) mode. Additionally, the game includes a wide variety of user-created custom maps that further enhance its replayability.
However, since its release on Steam last Wednesday, the Steam edition has received over 3,000 reviews — with 84% being negative. Players are primarily upset about the game's monetization strategy and the significant reduction in gameplay options compared to the browser version.
As of May 13, only 16% of user reviews are positive. Image credit: Steam / GeoGuessr.
But it’s not just the paywall that’s causing frustration among fans. Once you link your browser-based GeoGuessr account to Steam, there is no option to unlink them, and you cannot log out of the Steam version. Solo practice games aren't available, and the free Amateur Mode appears to be populated mostly by bots rather than real players. Most shockingly, even if you’ve paid for premium access in the browser version, those benefits do not carry over to the Steam edition.
To its credit, GeoGuessr does disclose this information clearly in its FAQs, stating that owning a subscription to the browser version doesn’t grant full access to the Steam Edition unless you have an Elite Yearly subscription. Unlike the browser game, which requires an annual fee, the Steam Edition offers a "one-time purchase" Steam Pass that grants full access for one year. The game is also marked as an Early Access title, indicating that future updates will refine gameplay, introduce new features, and improve the overall player experience based on community feedback.
Despite these explanations, the response from players on both the Steam discussion forums and GeoGuessr’s subreddit remains overwhelmingly critical — especially regarding the restrictive monetization model and the limited feature set.
Although marketed as free-to-play, GeoGuessr Steam arguably provides less than an hour of free content (based on our playthrough), includes only one mode — Duels — and allows competition within just one league: the Amateur Division. To unlock higher ranks and additional content, players must purchase the $2.50 monthly subscription, which isn’t billed monthly but instead requires a $30 upfront payment for a year of access. No alternative modes are currently available.
GeoGuessr's three premium plans for its browser game. Image credit: GeoGuessr.
It’s important to note that the browser version of GeoGuessr isn’t free either. While casual players can enjoy up to three rounds per day at no cost, unlocking all features requires subscribing to one of three tiers: Pro Basic ($2.49/month), Pro Unlimited ($2.99/month), or Pro Elite ($4.99/month). Only the latter two subscriptions provide access to the Steam Edition.
In an exclusive statement to IGN, GeoGuessr expressed enthusiasm about launching on Steam, calling it "a highly requested feature by our community for a long time." The company added that bringing the game to Steam aligns with its mission to "let everyone explore the world, regardless of their preferred platform," while offering benefits such as better friend integration and enhanced anti-cheat tools.
Anti-cheat measures are particularly crucial to the GeoGuessr community. The browser version has long struggled with cheaters exploiting Google Street View, using third-party tools, or simply searching answers via external browsers — despite such behavior violating community guidelines. By leveraging Steam’s infrastructure, developers hope to mitigate these issues effectively.
"This is a major milestone for us — and just the beginning," said Tomas Jonson, Head of Marketing. He noted that the game is currently in Early Access and emphasized the team’s commitment to improving both the free and premium experiences. Much of the early feedback centered around dissatisfaction with the recurring payment model, prompting internal discussions about potential changes.
Because GeoGuessr relies on data from Google Street View — where costs are ongoing and usage-dependent — the Steam edition uses a monetization structure similar to the browser version. However, Jonson highlighted that "the main exception is that the Steam Pass is a non-recurring yearly purchase."
According to the developer, the Steam version will remain in Early Access for "at least six months," during which time they plan to roll out new features, modes, maps, and competitive elements. The Steam page also states the team’s goal to expand gameplay and ensure the best possible experience through direct player input.
"We really appreciate the high level of engagement and all the valuable feedback we've received so far," Jonson concluded. "We’ll continue listening closely and working hand-in-hand with the community as we evolve the Steam Edition."
