Everything you need to know about Steam Families!

Valve has introduced a solution to one of the frustrations of digital gaming with its latest feature on Steam. Steam Families, announced recently, enables users to share their game libraries with up to six family members. This means that family members can explore and enjoy a variety of games from the shared library without the need to make individual purchases.

Notably, users can even play games from the shared library while another family member is online—a departure from the previous limitations imposed by Steam's two separate family features, Steam Family Sharing and Steam Family View. The new Steam Families feature, currently in beta, will replace both of these existing systems.

While Steam Families offers a convenient way to share game libraries among family members, there are some limitations to keep in mind. For instance, if only one copy of a game is owned, family members won't be able to play the same game simultaneously. Instead, they'll need to take turns accessing that particular title. This means that for popular games, multiple copies may need to be purchased to accommodate everyone's gaming preferences.

Another important aspect to note is that once you join a family, you'll have to wait a full year before creating or joining another one. This means you won't be able to switch between collections frequently. Additionally, not all games will support Steam Families; developers have the option to opt in or out of this feature. So, while it offers a convenient way for families to share digital games, it's worth checking if your favorite titles are compatible.

Despite these considerations, Steam Families is still a fantastic way to share games among family members. If you're interested in trying it out, the beta version is currently available. Valve may make adjustments to the feature based on feedback during the beta phase, but there's no harm in giving it a try right away.