GeoGuessr Steam Edition Plunges to Rock Bottom: Gamers Slam “Greedy” Monetization
GeoGuessr, the popular browser-based geography game, has landed on Steam – and the reception has been anything but welcoming. Just days after its launch, GeoGuessr Steam Edition has been bombarded with overwhelmingly negative reviews, quickly earning the dubious distinction of being one of the worst-rated games on the platform.
What's driving this wave of discontent? The answer, according to disgruntled players, is a perceivedly greedy monetization strategy.
Subscription Model Sparks Outrage
Unlike the original browser version, which offered a more generous free-to-play experience, the Steam Edition severely limits access without a paid subscription. Players are restricted to the Amateur Division and unranked team duels unless they shell out $29.99 per year (or $2.50 per month) for a Steam Pass, Elite Yearly Subscription, or Unlimited Yearly subscription. This approach has been met with fierce criticism, with many players decrying it as a bait-and-switch tactic. Furthermore, current browser subscribers only gain access to the Steam paid mode with the Elite Yearly or Unlimited Yearly Subscription.
"How can they possibly mess up something as simple as GeoGuessr?", one player questioned. Gamers feel betrayed by the game's shift to a subscription model, which they argue undermines the original's accessible and enjoyable nature.
Second-Worst Rated Game on Steam
The backlash has been severe. GeoGuessr Steam Edition currently holds a dismal 15-16% positive rating on Steam, placing it near the bottom of the barrel, with Steam250 listing it as the second-worst-rated title, just ahead of War of the Three Kingdoms.
Players are particularly upset by the game's use of the "Free to Play" tag, which they consider misleading. Many reviewers have expressed a willingness to pay a one-time fee for the game, but they balk at the idea of an ongoing subscription.
Damage Control Efforts Fail to Appease Fans
In response to the flood of negative reviews, the GeoGuessr team has attempted to placate the community by granting full access to the Steam Edition for those with an Unlimited Yearly subscription from the web version. They have also emphasized that the Steam Edition is still in early access. However, these efforts have largely failed to quell the widespread anger, as the core issue of the monetization model remains unaddressed.
The GeoGuessr team stated the game is in early access and may be missing some features. The main point of contention has still not been addressed, as indicated by the red thumbs-down on Steam.
A Lesson Learned?
The situation serves as a cautionary tale for developers looking to expand their reach to new platforms. The GeoGuessr debacle demonstrates the importance of carefully considering player expectations and avoiding monetization strategies that are perceived as greedy or exploitative. It will be interesting to see if GeoGuessr can turn the tables and recover from this disastrous launch.
What are your thoughts on GeoGuessr's Steam launch? Do you think the developers can salvage the situation? Share your opinions in the comments below!
