GeoGuessr Steam Edition has shockingly become one of Steam's worst-rated games shortly after its May 8 launch. This highly anticipated adaptation of the beloved browser-based GeoGuessr challenges players to identify real-world locations using Google Street View imagery.

Developed by Sweden's GeoGuessr AB, the game gained popularity through streamers, content creators, and prestigious tournaments like the World Championships. Its influence expanded beyond its niche audience, even captivating Elden Ring players with its unique gameplay. With millions having played the original, expectations for the Steam release were exceptionally high.

The Steam version has garnered over 3,000 reviews, with only 17% being positive - making Starfield's initially poor reception seem favorable by comparison. Primary complaints focus on the monetization approach and missing features that were standard in the browser edition. The original version offers superior solo play options, diverse maps, and customizable rules, leaving many players underwhelmed by the Steam release's limitations.

While technically free-to-download, the Steam edition quickly exhausts its free content, essentially requiring a subscription for meaningful gameplay. Existing subscribers to the browser version face additional frustration, as their paid features don't transfer to Steam unless they upgrade to the premium tier.

The developers cite the high costs of using Google Street View data to justify their pricing. However, players find the current model unnecessarily complex, with lower tiers imposing arbitrary time restrictions rather than limiting game modes.

Despite the rocky launch, hope remains for GeoGuessr Steam Edition. The game boasts millions of fans worldwide, and strategic improvements could reverse its fortunes. Players appear willing to pay reasonable prices if developers address the feature gaps and monetization issues, potentially adding fan-requested elements like Skyrim-inspired custom maps. Some users note the native app provides smoother performance than browser versions, which could become a key advantage if other issues are resolved.