Summary
GeoGuessrwas finally ported toSteamlast week, after years of popularity as a browser game. However, it also brought with itcontroversial monetisation practices, severely limiting how long non-paying users can play for.
Now, the developer has responded, explaining why GeoGuessr is monetised through a subscription system. In response to TheGamer, the developer says that it is committed to “expanding and improving both the free and paid experiences” and stresses that this is the early access release, not the full game.
GeoGuessr Is Aware Of The Negative Reception To The Steam Release
“Much of the feedback so far has been around the monetisation of the game, with many wishing for a one-time purchase model,” says a representative from GeoGuessr.
“Since GeoGuessr relies on external third-party content in the form ofGoogleStreet View - where the costs for street view are ongoing and tied to the number of games played - we based the Steam offering on a model similar to what we use in the browser game,” they explain. “The main exception that the Steam Pass is a non-recurring yearly purchase.”
“We really appreciate the high engagement and all the player feedback we have received so far. We’ll continue listening closely and working with the community as we further develop the Steam Edition.”
With that in mind, it doesn’t seem that the current monetisation model will be scrapped entirely. At the very least, the studio is well aware that fans are not pleased with the current model, so perhaps we’ll see changes that reflect that.
For anyone out of the loop, GeoGuessr’s official browser release is also subscription-based, only allowing free users three rounds a day. If you want to play more rounds than this, you have to get a subscription, which has been the case since 2024. However, a browser subscription will not work on Steam, and vice versa, so anyone moving over to Steam will have to put down money for another subscription.
If you’re used to playing for free, that’s because there are plenty of free alternatives online. The best known is GeoGuessr Free, which even has multiplayer and a leaderboard.
