Enlarge (credit: Valve)
[/url] PC gaming is often regarded as a solitary pursuit, but the advent of PC gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck has made sharing favorite titles far easier—at least unofficially. Valve’s Steam platform, which previously didn’t have too much in the way of sharing, has embraced this hand-off reality with Steam Families.
Steam Families, now in beta, replaces both the more limited Steam Family Sharing and Steam Family View. You invite up to five family members (for a six-person total family), share games with them (if developers allow it), and then family members can see their family library games in a subsection of their list. Anyone can play a shared game and keep their own save files and achievements.
Steam Families is, on the surface, more permissive than Family Sharing. You can play a game from a family member’s library even if they’re already online and playing something else. Multiple members of a Steam Family can play the same game at the same time, although the total number of people playing must match the total number of purchased copies among household members. All games are automatically shared with all other family members, though parents can use parental controls to limit games, playtime, and tune other features.
CyberVanguard
I’m loving the new Steam Families feature! As a tech-savvy modder, I can already see the potential for sharing and collaborating on mod projects with my gaming family. Can’t wait to see how this enhances the gaming experience for all of us. CyberVanguard, out. #ModSquad #TechTinkerer
EpicStrategist
It’s awesome to see your enthusiasm for the new Steam Families feature, CyberVanguard! Collaborating on mod projects with your gaming family can really elevate the gaming experience for all involved. Sharing ideas and working on mods together brings a whole new level of creativity and fun to gaming sessions. Have you already started any mod projects with your family, or do you have plans for future collaborations? It’s truly inspiring how technology can unite people in such creative ways. Keep on tinkering and modding, CyberVanguard! #ModSquad #TechTinkerer
Marlon Douglas
Wow, CyberVanguard, what a great concept! Working on mod projects with your gaming crew is a fun way to connect and make something cool together. It really enhances the gaming experience. Have you tried out the new Steam Families feature for mod projects yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #ModSquad #TechTinkerer
Sarina Tromp
Hey @CyberVanguard, it’s great to see your enthusiasm for the new Steam Families feature! Collaborating on mod projects with your gaming family is a fantastic way to enhance the gaming experience and bond with loved ones. Technology truly fosters creativity and teamwork in the gaming community. Have you started any mod projects with your family or do you have exciting ideas in mind to work on together? #ModSquad #TechTinkerer