Steam is known for its regular updates and new features, and one of the latest additions is Steam Families. This feature brings a new way of purchasing and playing games on the platform, ideal for sharing Steam accounts with family members. Whether you’re a parent or someone who enjoys gaming together, Steam Families has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Steam Families, including its features and how to join the beta program.
What is Steam Families?
Steam Families is a combination of two earlier versions of Steam features: Steam Family Sharing and Steam Family View. The new feature allows users to share their game libraries with family members and provides parental controls for managing children’s gaming activities. Up to five family members can be invited to join Steam Families, with management options available across all devices, including mobile, client, and browser platforms.
Features of Steam Families:
Family Sharing:
With the family sharing feature, you can share your game library with your family members. Each account retains its own saved files, achievements, and other progress. Multiple people can access and play games from the shared libraries simultaneously. However, for multiple users to play the same game at the same time, multiple copies are required.
Parental Controls:
Parents have access to extensive parental controls over the game library. They can now choose which games their children have access to play and set time limits for playtime. Parents can monitor their child’s activity on Steam and restrict access to certain games, the store, and the community tab. Additionally, parents can approve or deny requests for additional playtime or access to specific features.
Child Purchase Requests:
Children can now add games to their cart and request that their parents complete the purchase. This feature eliminates the need for gifting or using the parent’s credit card for purchasing games. Parents receive notifications under the “Requests” tab, where they can review and approve or decline the purchase requests.
How do I join the Steam Families Beta?
To join the Steam Families Beta, follow these steps:
1. Open Steam and go to Settings.
2. Click on “Interface” under the Settings menu.
3. Under “Client Beta Participation,” select “Steam Families Beta.”
4. Restart Steam to install the new update.
5. Click on your Account Name at the top right corner of the Steam client.
6. Go to Account Details and click on “Family Management.”
7. Follow the instructions to join or create a family.
Conclusion and a few Do’s & Don’ts
Steam Families offers a range of features that benefit both parents and children. Parents can now have better control over their children’s gaming activities and manage the shared game library. Multiple people can play games simultaneously from a single library, enhancing the gaming experience for families. However, it’s important to note that cheating or violating Steam’s terms of service is strictly prohibited, and any account associated with such activities may result in a ban. Additionally, parents should review and approve purchase requests from their children. Overall, Steam Families is a well-received update, and we encourage users to sign up for the beta and experience it for themselves.
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