EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator

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EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator is a open world racing game. It was developed by Colton Hutchins and was released on October 9, 2023. It received positive reviews from players.

You can Drive on Google Maps! Discover the thrill of racing through the world's most iconic locations right from your device! EarthKart is a real world driving simulator that combines the speed and excitement of kart racing with the revolutionary integration of Google Maps. Experience the ultimate Google Earth driving simulator as you traverse through the urban jungles of New York, glide along the…

EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator screenshot

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84%

Audience ScoreBased on 824 reviews

graphics10 positive mentions

stability6 negative mentions

Unique and innovative concept allowing players to drive in real-world locations using Google Maps/Earth data.
Fun and relaxing experience, especially for exploring hometowns, planning routes, and revisiting memorable places.
Developer is active, receptive to community feedback, and continues updating the game with improvements.

Severe limitation of one free play per day with costly premium required for more, leading to dissatisfaction and perception of greediness.
Driving mechanics and controls are often described as unresponsive, jerky, or floaty, making gameplay frustrating.
Graphical issues including low poly models, bumpy terrain, obstructive objects on roads, and poor rendering diminish immersion and driving experience.

graphics
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
30%
20%
The graphics receive mixed reviews, with many users noting they are simplistic or outdated, resembling PS2-era visuals and lacking detail or real-life clarity. While some appreciate the unique concept of using Google Earth imagery for exploration, common critiques include low-quality textures, poor lighting, and occasional immersion-breaking elements. Overall, the visuals are seen as functional but far from impressive, with potential for improvement.
- “I love this game honestly, the graphics look great and much better than I expected, though I must say that as of right now the UI is really weird looking.”
- “But this game has game modes, good graphics, and a lot of good settings and vehicles.”
- “The game’s intuitive interface makes it easy to zoom in and out, while the vibrant graphics enhance the experience.”
- “Low poly world with buildings that look melted, only able to play once every 6 hours, hitting invisible things, car is too oversized and worst of all AI artwork all over the place.”
- “When it turns night time, it doesn't matter if you are in a big city like New York, you will never see any other sources of light which ruins both the immersion as well as aesthetics of the game.”
- “Worst game I have ever played, the graphics are absolutely horrendous and you have to pay to go to a different location.”
gameplay
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
47%
16%
Gameplay impressions are mixed, with some praising its immersive world, smooth mechanics, and variety of modes, while others criticize awkward controls, repetitive and limited gameplay, blocked paths, and frustrating monetization barriers. Common issues include getting stuck, lack of refinement in vehicle handling and UI, and a perception of the game prioritizing microtransactions over a substantive experience. Overall, the gameplay shows potential but is hindered by design flaws and inconsistent execution.
- “Gameplay is great. If I could fix something, it would be that tunnels are blocked off. I wish you could pass through tunnels like normal, but I understand it can be difficult. Maybe add a feature where we can dig through or demolish obstacles because even in the roads there are random obstacles which don't exist in reality.”
- “The gameplay is smooth, the world feels alive, and the experience is so immersive that it almost feels like traveling without leaving home.”
- “The mechanics are smooth, and the game offers a surprising amount of depth for its current stage.”
- “The controls are awkward, and the gameplay becomes repetitive very quickly.”
- “But the gameplay is nothing special itself and the times I got stuck and can't get out of the scenery happens too much.”
- “This creates an artificial barrier that effectively limits your gameplay unless you're willing to part with real money.”
monetization
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
The monetization of the game is widely criticized as overly aggressive and poorly justified, with many users viewing it as a cash grab featuring unfair daily limits, microtransactions, and paywalls for basic gameplay. While some acknowledge the cost of API usage, the system's reliance on fleeting rewards and in-app purchases undermines the experience, leading to frustration and comparisons to low-quality mobile game tactics.
- “I think that the monetization policy makes sense since APIs do cost money to use.”
- “Edit: the developer has replied to my review, stating they removed the microtransactions.”
- “They attempt to bribe you to leave 5 star reviews by giving 5 more free plays, and also there's a premium version.”
- “Its cool and all, but why do you want me to pay to play Google Maps with vehicles that would take a whole 5 minute Unity tutorial to program myself? On top of that, there's a daily limit on how many times I can play. This is installed on my PC and feels like a typical cash grab of 'pay premium to do whatever you want.' Sorry, but that is the most stupid thing I ever did see. I'm now just going to make this myself because Google Maps is fully publicly available for everyone.”
- “They attempt to bribe you to leave 5-star reviews by giving 5 more free plays and also there's a premium version because for some reason a driving simulator game that uses Google Earth as its map builder needs microtransactions... because reasons!”
- “Having your game based on microtransactions when it's not even remotely release-worthy is simply a poor decision, and I cannot recommend this game, as much as I'd like to because it really could have been a good game.”
stability
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is enjoyable but suffers from frequent bugs, including rendering issues, crashes, and freezing after extended play. Its reliance on internet connectivity also contributes to stability problems, resulting in a clunky and occasionally unreliable experience. Despite these issues, users still recommend it for its fun gameplay.
- “The concept of this game is really good, although the rendering is buggy at best (which I get considering it relies on Google Maps).”
- “It usually lasts about 30-40 minutes, then suddenly either shuts down on its own or freezes, forcing me to close it manually (this is also accompanied by internet issues that resolve after a few minutes).”
- “Clunky and buggy interface.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in the game is widely praised for being calming and relaxing, complementing the ambient sounds and enhancing the overall atmosphere. Some users note the absence of realistic vehicle noises, but the soothing soundtrack and ambient music receive strong positive feedback.
- “I love everything in this game from the weather to the day/night cycles and the calming music.”
- “Just played this for the first time and I must admit I would highly recommend it. The driving part and the ambient music are so relaxing.”
- “Sound design: there is music in the game that is reminiscent of Minecraft sometimes.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
100%
The game suffers from poor optimization, leading to long load times, heating issues on high-end computers, and unrefined terrain that hampers driving. Users suggest that adding customizable handling options could improve drivability and overall performance.
- “Terrain should be smoothed out and optimized, which would make driving easier.”
- “One feature I'd like to see would be customizable handling - it would be good for users to adjust stiffness or springs/shock absorbers, maybe tweak tyre grip and car performance; that way it could be more drivable and engaging to the user's preferences.”
- “Conclusion: I do not recommend downloading this game on good computers, it heats up, is poorly optimized, and takes a long time to load the maps!”
- “Terrain should be smoothed out/optimized, which would make driving easier.”
- “One feature I'd like to see would be customizable handling - it would be good for users to be able to adjust stiffness or springs/shock absorbers, maybe tweak tyre grip and car performance; that way it could be more drivable and engaging to the user's preferences.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Replayability is enhanced by additional game modes and objects, but some feel the core gameplay itself could be improved to better sustain long-term engagement.
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users find the game's humor enjoyable and entertaining, appreciating its lightheartedness and expressing interest in more playful features like cooperative treasure hunts.
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, creating an emotionally resonant experience for players.
- “It made me feel very nostalgic.”
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The story features engaging missions that promote a sense of global exploration, encouraging players to immerse themselves in the world around them.
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere is weakened by distracting background sounds such as sporadic coughing and artificial traffic noises, which hinder immersion.

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1h Median play time

1h Average play time

1-1h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator is a open world racing game.

EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator is available on PC, Mac OS and Windows.

On average players spend around 1 hours playing EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator.

EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator was released on October 9, 2023.

EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator was developed by Colton Hutchins.

EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator has received positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its graphics but disliked it for its monetization.

EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator is a local co-op game.

Similar games include Construction Simulator, Caravanners, Flight Pilot: 3D Simulator, Car For Sale Simulator 2023, Bus Simulator 18 and others.

EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator

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