Steam continues to innovate and attract gamers with its latest features and top-notch titles. Sharing games has always been a hit, especially among families or groups looking to maximize their game library without breaking the bank.
While the family sharing feature has been around for a while, Steam has revamped the system with the introduction of Steam Family Groups. Here’s everything you need to know about this new feature.
Restrictions and Features of Steam Family Groups
In Steam Family Groups, up to 6 people can share a game library, consisting of the host and 5 additional members. It’s worth noting that game developers have the option to enable or disable this feature for their games, as it may impact sales directly.
While all members share the same library, each individual retains their own saved games, achievements, rewards, etc. Multiple users can play simultaneously with the same account, but they cannot play the same title simultaneously unless multiple copies of the game are owned.
This means that one player can enjoy Helldivers 2 while another explores Hogwarts Legacy. However, if both want to play Helldivers 2 simultaneously, they’ll need two copies of the game. Additionally, games or additional subscription services cannot be shared between accounts.
How to Access the Family Groups Beta
Since this feature is currently in beta testing, it’s not the final version. To access the beta, follow these simple steps:
- Launch Steam on your device.
- Click on “Steam” in the top-left corner to open the menu.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- In the Settings menu, choose the “Interface” option.
- Under “Beta Participation,” select “Steam Family Beta” from the dropdown menu.
- Finally, navigate to “Account Details” and select “Manage Family Library Sharing.”
By following these steps, the next time you log in to your Steam account, you’ll see a new section in the left column of your game library, showcasing your shared games.
Final Thoughts
In summary, accessing the Steam Family Groups beta offers a convenient way to share gaming experiences with friends and family. Despite some limitations, such as the inability to simultaneously play the same title with a single copy, this feature strengthens bonds among gaming communities.
By following simple steps to join the beta, users can explore this exciting Steam feature and enjoy gaming together with loved ones.
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