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Can You Get Banned for Family Sharing on Steam? The Truth Revealed

Yes, you absolutely can get banned from Steam because of Family Sharing, although the circumstances are quite specific. The key takeaway is this: if someone you’ve shared your library with cheats or commits fraud while playing a game from your library, your Family Sharing privileges may be revoked, and in some cases, your account itself could face a VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) ban. Let’s dive into the details and dissect the intricacies of this system.

Understanding Steam Family Sharing and Its Risks

Steam Family Sharing is a fantastic feature allowing you to share your game library with trusted friends and family members. It lets them download and play your games on their own accounts, making gaming more accessible and affordable. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and in this case, the responsibility extends to the actions of those you share with.

The potential for bans stems from the fact that the VAC system is designed to protect the integrity of online multiplayer games. When someone uses cheats, it not only ruins the experience for other players but also violates the Steam Subscriber Agreement. If the VAC system detects cheating while someone is playing a game from your shared library, both the cheater’s account and your account are at risk.

It is important to note that not all violations will result in a VAC ban. Other violations, like credit card fraud and abusive behavior, also have implications for Family Sharing. Steam Support will investigate each situation and ban accounts on a case-by-case basis.

What Actions Can Lead to a Ban?

Several actions taken by a borrower using a shared library can trigger a ban, impacting both the borrower and the lender:

Cheating in VAC-Secured Games: This is the most common scenario. If a borrower uses cheats or hacks in a game protected by the VAC system, both the borrower’s account and the game owner’s account could face a VAC ban. The ban applies to the specific game where the cheating occurred, meaning you wouldn’t be able to play that game on either account.
Fraudulent Activities: Engaging in fraudulent activities like payment fraud (using stolen credit cards to purchase games) or redeeming fraudulent gift codes can also lead to account restrictions. If a borrower commits such actions while using your shared library, your account might be penalized.
Violating the Steam Subscriber Agreement: The Steam Subscriber Agreement covers a wide range of prohibited activities, including piracy, hacking, hijacking or sharing accounts, and other deliberately deceptive activity. If a borrower violates these terms while playing games from your library, it can have consequences for your account as well.

Minimizing the Risk

The best way to avoid getting banned because of Family Sharing is to be extremely selective about who you share your library with. Consider these precautions:

Only Share with Trusted Individuals: Only authorize Steam accounts belonging to people you know and trust implicitly. Don’t share your library with strangers or anyone who might be tempted to cheat or engage in fraudulent behavior.
Ensure Security: Make sure the computers and accounts of those you share with are secure. Encourage them to use strong passwords and enable Steam Guard for two-factor authentication.
Communicate the Risks: Clearly communicate the risks of cheating and fraudulent activities to those you share your library with. Make sure they understand that their actions can have serious consequences for both their account and yours.

The Severity of a VAC Ban

A VAC ban is a serious penalty. It means you will no longer be able to play the VAC-secured game that resulted in the ban on your account. You may also be restricted from playing multiplayer modes in other VAC-secured games. The ban is permanent and non-negotiable, meaning Steam Support cannot remove it. While after seven years the ban might not be visible on your profile, it is still there.

Revoking Access and Managing Sharing

If you have any concerns about someone you’ve shared your library with, you can revoke their access at any time. To do this, go to Steam > Settings > Family and deauthorize their account. You can also manage the computers that are authorized to access your library from this menu.

Games Learning Society emphasizes responsible digital citizenship, and that extends to online gaming. By understanding the risks and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of Steam Family Sharing without jeopardizing your account.

Steam’s Stance on Bans

Valve is very clear: they do not disclose which cheats were detected and are adamant that VAC bans are permanent. An incorrectly issued VAC ban will be automatically removed.

Family Sharing and Alternative Accounts

Valve allows users to have multiple accounts. However, if your family members are using alternate accounts to get around their restrictions, you need to evaluate if it’s worth sharing your games with them. Remember, it is up to you to vet the accounts you are sharing to.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Steam Family Sharing and Bans

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Steam Family Sharing and the potential for bans:

1. Does a VAC ban affect the entire library?

No. A VAC ban only applies to the specific game where the cheating occurred. You will still be able to play other games in your library.

2. Can I appeal a VAC ban if I didn’t cheat?

No. VAC bans are permanent and cannot be appealed. Steam Support will only remove a VAC ban if it was issued incorrectly.

3. If I get a game ban, can I still share my library?

Games that you are banned from cannot be shared.

4. How many accounts can I share my library with?

You can authorize up to five other accounts to access your games.

5. Can two people play the same game from my shared library at the same time?

No. Only one person can play a game from your shared library at a time. If you want to play the same game simultaneously, the borrower must purchase their own copy.

6. Can I hide certain games from Family Sharing?

Yes. You can hide individual games in your library to prevent them from being shared. To do this, right-click on the game in your library, select Manage > Hide this game.

7. What happens if the borrower gets a refund on a shared game?

The game will be removed from your library, and neither you nor the borrower will be able to play it.

8. Can I play offline with Family Sharing?

Yes. Both the lender and the borrower can play shared games in offline mode. However, one person sharing the account must be connected to the internet so that the most recent data gets saved onto the game.

9. What happens if I remove someone from Family Sharing?

The borrower will no longer be able to access your shared library.

10. Is there a way to bypass Family Sharing restrictions?

The method used to bypass family sharing restrictions on Steam is by Opening the Steam Settings menu, Go to the “Family” tab on the left side of the window that opens, In the “Family View” section click “Manage” and select “Disable Family View” in the Family View window.

11. How long does a game ban last?

Game bans are permanent and are not removed, regardless of who was using the account at the time the ban was issued.

12. Can I get VAC banned for playing with a hacker?

You will not be banned by the VAC system unless you log in to a VAC-secure server with a cheat installed on your computer.

13. How does Steam detect cheats?

The VAC system reliably detects cheats using their cheat signatures, including modifications to a game’s core executable files and dynamic link libraries. Learn more about ethical game design at GamesLearningSociety.org.

14. Are VAC bans ever wrong?

VAC bans are permanent and non-negotiable, and cannot be removed by Steam Support. If a VAC ban is determined to have been issued incorrectly it will automatically be removed.

15. Does Steam ban my IP?

Steam does not ban IP addresses due to the dynamic nature of IP addresses. The ban is applied to the account.

By understanding these nuances of Steam Family Sharing, you can enjoy the benefits of sharing your game library while minimizing the risks of bans or account restrictions. Remember, responsible sharing and communication are key to a positive experience for everyone involved.

Can you get banned for family sharing Steam?