Valve has launched an upgrade to its Steam Family Sharing program, introducing the new and enhanced Steam Families feature, which is now available for users.
Steam Families allows up to six users to seamlessly link their accounts, granting each member access to the entire library of games associated with all linked accounts. Unlike the previous Family Sharing system, which required the owner to be offline for others to play, Steam Families enables multiple users to simultaneously access and enjoy different games from a shared library.
Each user retains their individual save files and Steam achievements. However, for users to play the same game together, they must each have their own copy. Once two members of the Steam Family have access to a game, they can enjoy playing together.
Creating a Steam Family requires thoughtful consideration, as leaving a family comes with a one-year waiting period before joining another. Additionally, the owner of the Steam Family has the authority to remove members. It’s essential to maintain a trustworthy family environment since if one user is banned while playing on a shared account, the owner will also face penalties.
The revamped Steam Families brings an array of parental controls, allowing guardians to restrict access to specific games, limit playtime, and approve purchase requests from child accounts.
To create a Steam Family, users should access their Account Details on Steam and navigate to the Family Management section. Here, they can create a family, invite members, and categorize them as either Adult or Child accounts. Invited members must accept the invitation to join.
It’s important to note that not all games are eligible for Family Sharing, as developers have the option to opt-out. Some subscription-based games cannot be shared across accounts. Valve encourages developers with concerns regarding Family Sharing to reach out for support and guidance.
This update aims to expand the accessibility of games for families, catering to the needs of both players and developers in the gaming community.
