In a major update for gaming families and friends, Valve has officially launched Steam Families, a feature that significantly improves the old Steam Family Sharing system. This new feature allows up to five members from a single household to create a shared library of games, making it easier for everyone to access their favorite titles from a single platform. If you’ve been looking for a seamless way to manage and share games with family members, Steam Families is the ultimate solution.
Key Features of Steam Families
- Shared Game Library
With Steam Families, all members can access the sharable games in each other’s Steam libraries. This is an exciting upgrade from the previous system because now multiple family members can be online at the same time, playing different games from the shared library. The catch, however, is that if you want to play the same game simultaneously, each family member must own their own copy. - Parental Controls
Valve has also overhauled the parental control system. Parents can add children to their Steam Families as child accounts, allowing them to set playtime limits, restrict access to the Steam Store or Friends Chat, and approve or deny playtime requests. This level of control makes it easier to ensure younger gamers can enjoy age-appropriate content safely, all while giving parents peace of mind. - No More Locked Libraries
One of the most significant changes with Steam Families is that members can now enjoy games simultaneously, even if someone else is already playing a different game in the same shared library. Previously, if one family member was playing, the library was locked for other users. This feature gives families more freedom to play games whenever they want, making it ideal for households with multiple gamers. - Future Updates
Valve has mentioned that the number of members allowed in a Steam Family might change in the future, depending on user feedback and how the feature is used. However, for now, the limit is set at five members.
Benefits for Gamers
For families with multiple gaming enthusiasts, Steam Families is a game-changer. Whether you’re using a Steam Deck or a traditional PC, this feature ensures that everyone in the family can game without interruptions. Plus, with the new parental controls, parents can feel confident about what their children are playing and when.
You can learn more about the Steam Families feature, especially if you want to include your younger family members here where organization and control are also major selling points, via the video above. What about you? Ready to start a new “family” in the name of cheap games?
FAQs
Q: Can family members play the same game at the same time?
A: No, each family member must own their own copy of the game to play it at the same time. Otherwise, they can access different games in the shared library simultaneously.
Q: What is the maximum number of family members that can join a Steam Family?
A: Currently, Steam Families supports up to five members from a single household, but Valve may adjust this number in the future based on feedback.
Q: How do parental controls work in Steam Families?
A: Parents can manage child accounts by setting playtime limits, restricting access to specific games, and approving or denying playtime requests. They can also control access to features like the Steam Store and Friends Chat.
With Steam Families, Valve has made gaming more accessible and manageable for households of all sizes. Whether you’re a parent looking for more control over your child’s gaming experience or a gamer eager to share your collection with family members, this feature is a welcome upgrade to the Steam platform. Now’s the time to gather your loved ones and enjoy everything Steam has to offer, together.