In today’s digital age, sharing your favorite video games with friends and family has become a sought-after feature, and Steam, one of the largest digital distribution platforms for PC gaming, offers just that. The ability to share games on Steam enhances the gaming experience, making it not only more communal but also more cost-effective. This comprehensive guide will delve into the process of how to share games on Steam, offering step-by-step instructions, tips for troubleshooting common issues, and insights into the platform’s policies on game sharing.
Introduction to Game Sharing on Steam
Steam’s Family Sharing feature allows users to share their game libraries with up to five other Steam accounts and on up to ten different devices. This feature is perfect for gamers who want to let friends or family members try out games without having to purchase them separately. It’s a fantastic way to maximize access to the vast array of games available on Steam while ensuring that all players abide by the necessary security and usage guidelines set by the platform.
Setting Up Steam Family Sharing
1. Enabling Steam Guard Security
Before you can start sharing your games, you must ensure that Steam Guard is enabled on your account. Steam Guard provides an additional layer of security to your account, and it’s a prerequisite for sharing your games. You can enable Steam Guard by:
- Going to the Steam settings menu.
- Selecting the ‘Account’ tab.
- Clicking on ‘Manage Steam Guard Account Security’ and choosing either email authentication or the mobile authenticator app.
2. Authorizing Shared Computers
Once Steam Guard is activated, you can authorize other computers to access your Steam library by following these steps:
- Log into your Steam account on the computer from which you want to allow access.
- Open the settings menu and navigate to the ‘Family’ tab.
- Check the box that allows library sharing on the authorized computer.
- This needs to be done on each computer that you want to share your games with.
Sharing Your Library
1. Log in to Your Account on the New Computer
You or your friend/family member will need to log into your Steam account on the computer where the games will be shared.
2. Access and Authorization
Once logged in, the new user needs to log back into their own account. If the initial setup was done correctly, they should now be able to see and play games from your shared library. Note that only one person can play from the shared library at a time. If the owner decides to play a game, the shared user will be given the option to purchase the game or end their session.
Understanding the Limitations and Rules
1. Simultaneous Access Restrictions
The main restriction of Steam’s Family Sharing is that not all games can be shared. Some games that require an additional third-party key, account, or subscription in order to play cannot be shared between accounts. Additionally, only one person can play from the shared library at any given time.
2. Regional Restrictions
Some games may be locked to specific regions, and therefore, they might not be available for sharing if the accounts are based in different geographic locations.
3. Managing Permissions
The library owner can manage and revoke sharing access at any time from their Steam settings panel. This control ensures that owners can manage who has access to their games and under what circumstances.
Tips for a Smooth Sharing Experience
1. Regular Communication
Regularly communicate with those with whom you share your library, especially if you need to access your games while they are using them. Coordination can help avoid interruptions in gaming sessions due to simultaneous access attempts.
2. Consider Network Security
When logging into your Steam account on another person’s computer, make sure that the network and computer are secure. Avoid public or unsecured networks when accessing your Steam account to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Use the Steam Family View
If you are sharing your library with younger players, consider enabling Steam’s Family View. This feature allows you to restrict access to certain games within your library based on content and age suitability.
Conclusion: How to Share Games on Steam
Sharing games on Steam using the Family Sharing feature is a great way to extend the life and enjoyment of your games. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide and understanding the limitations set by Steam, users can effectively share their gaming experiences with others in a secure and enjoyable way. Remember, communication and coordination are key to managing access and ensuring that all parties have the best possible gaming experience. Happy gaming!
