GeoGuessr Steam Edition becomes one of the worst rated games on Steam in a week due to controversial subscription system
The new release of GeoGuessr Steam Edition, which came out on 8 May 2025, instantly caused a wave of criticism among Steam users. In a few days, the game collected more than 3 thousand reviews, of which only 16% were positive. The main reason for dissatisfaction is an intrusive monetisation model with a mandatory annual subscription instead of the usual one-time purchase.
Here's What We Know
GeoGuessr is a popular geographical quiz game where players try to guess their location using images from Google Maps. The game has long won fans in the browser version, but the Steam edition was severely cut and limited.
The Steam version provides free access only to the amateur division and unrated team duels. To play the popular ranked Solo Duels mode, you need to subscribe to Steam Pass or one of the more expensive annual subscriptions - Elite Yearly or Unlimited Yearly, which cost $30 per year or $2.50 per month.
In addition, browser subscriptions and Steam are not compatible with each other: if you buy access to the web version, you will not be able to play the Steam version and vice versa, unless you purchase the most expensive packages. Although crossplay between platforms is supported, this confusion has caused outrage among players.
Users complain that the Steam version lacks many of the modes available in the browser and suffers from technical problems. Many believe that the game was just a marketing ploy to lure users into a more expensive subscription.
According to Steam250, GeoGuessr Steam Edition is currently the second worst rated game on the platform, behind only War of the Three Kingdoms.
Source: Steam250
