GeoGuessr Withdraws from Esports World Cup Amid Community Backlash
In a significant turn of events, GeoGuessr has announced its withdrawal from the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), citing a misalignment with the company's values. This decision follows a wave of protests from the GeoGuessr community, who expressed concerns over the EWC's association with Saudi Arabia's human rights record.
On May 15, 2025, GeoGuessr revealed its participation in the EWC as part of the event's festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The game was set to host a Last Chance Wildcard Tournament, offering players a final opportunity to qualify for the season-ending World Finals in Copenhagen, Denmark. However, the announcement was met with swift and vocal opposition from the GeoGuessr community.
By May 21, creators of major world maps made their content unplayable in protest, effectively disabling training and competing on the website. The protest was a response to the EWC's ties to Saudi Arabia, a country where many community members felt they would face harsh persecution.
The official GeoGuessr Discord server was flooded with messages echoing the demand to withdraw from the EWC.
Less than 24 hours after the start of the protest, GeoGuessr announced its withdrawal from the EWC, becoming the first game to do so. CEO Daniel Antell stated that the company had "got it wrong," acknowledging the community's concerns and the misalignment with the company's values.
The decision was met with widespread approval from the GeoGuessr community, who praised the company for listening to their concerns. Veteran esports journalist Richard Lewis commended GeoGuessr for taking a stand, highlighting the contrast with other titles that continued their participation despite similar controversies.
GeoGuessr says it remains committed to its esports scene, with plans for regional Majors in Japan, the United States, and Sweden. These events will award players World League points, crucial for qualifying for the 2025 World Finals in Copenhagen.
The company's withdrawal from the EWC underscores the importance of aligning corporate decisions with community values, setting a precedent for other esports titles facing similar ethical dilemmas.
This episode serves as a reminder of the power of community activism in shaping the direction of esports and the responsibilities of game developers to uphold ethical standards.