Valve Unveils New Feature Bundling Steam Family Sharing and Family View with Added Benefits
Valve has introduced Steam Families, a comprehensive new feature consolidating the existing Steam Family Sharing and Steam Family View functionalities while incorporating additional family-oriented options. This innovative feature enables Steam users to establish a family unit comprising up to six household members, facilitating game sharing and content management.
With Steam Families, users can create a family group and extend invitations to up to five other members, designating them as either adults or children. Each member gains access to a shared family library, reminiscent of Steam’s previous Family Sharing feature.
Within the family library, all members can enjoy playing shared games, provided another user is not currently accessing the title. In instances where simultaneous gameplay is desired, multiple family members must individually own the game. Each player retains personalized save files, earns Steam achievements on their account, and enjoys access to workshop content associated with shared games.
It’s crucial to exercise caution when sharing games, as any bans incurred by one family member while playing a shared title will extend to all accounts linked to the game.
In addition to enhanced game-sharing capabilities, Steam Families introduces parental controls, empowering adult family members to regulate game access, Steam community features, and monitor screen time for child accounts. Children within the family can request additional playtime or access to restricted games, with the option to prompt adult accounts to purchase desired titles by sending a cart directly to the adult’s account.
Currently available in beta, Steam Families requires all prospective family members to opt into the beta version to gain access. This initiative aims to provide users with an enriched gaming experience while fostering a safer and more inclusive digital environment for families.