Can You Transfer Owned Games on Steam? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is: no, you cannot directly transfer ownership of Steam games from one account to another. Once a game is purchased and registered to a specific Steam account, it’s permanently tied to that account. However, there are alternative methods to share games and access them on different computers, which we’ll explore in detail. Steam has certain restrictions in place to avoid fraud, misuse of licenses and to maintain a balance of fair usage between parties.
This article dives deep into the nuances of game ownership on Steam, exploring the possibilities for sharing, accessing games on multiple devices, and gifting options. We’ll also address common questions about transferring save data, managing multiple accounts, and other related concerns. This is everything you should know about transferring games in Steam.
Understanding Steam’s Game Ownership Policies
Steam’s policies are very specific regarding game ownership. When you buy a game on Steam, you’re not actually “owning” the game in the traditional sense. Instead, you’re purchasing a license to play the game on your Steam account. This license is non-transferable, meaning you can’t directly give it to someone else’s account.
This is a key distinction to understand, as it’s the foundation for all the limitations and workarounds associated with sharing Steam games. The primary reason behind this policy is to prevent abuse of the system and ensure developers are fairly compensated for their work. Imagine if users can freely transfer owned games around. It will cause a huge loss to developers.
Alternative Methods to Share Steam Games
While you can’t transfer ownership, Steam offers several features that allow you to share your games with others or access them on multiple devices:
Steam Family Sharing
Steam Family Sharing allows you to authorize up to five other Steam accounts to access your game library on shared computers. Here’s how it works:
- Authorize computers: Sign in to Steam on the computer you want to share your games on.
- Enable Family Sharing: Go to Steam > Settings > Family and check the box that says “Authorize Library Sharing on this Computer”.
- Select users: Choose the Steam accounts you want to grant access to your library.
Keep in mind the following when using Steam Family Sharing:
- Only one user can play at a time: If you’re playing a game in your library, authorized users won’t be able to access any games from your library until you stop playing.
- Not all games are eligible: Some games may be excluded from Family Sharing due to technical limitations or developer restrictions.
- Account restrictions: If a user violates Steam’s terms of service while playing a game from your library, your Family Sharing privileges may be revoked.
Gifting Games on Steam
The intended method for giving a game to someone else is to gift it to them at the point of purchase. When you buy a game, you’re given the option to send it as a gift to a friend on your Steam friends list. The recipient receives a notification and can add the game to their library.
Playing Games on Multiple Computers
You can install your Steam games on multiple computers and access them using your Steam account. The only limitation is that you can only be logged into one computer at a time. This is useful if you have a desktop and a laptop, or if you want to play your games on a Steam Deck.
To sync your progress across multiple computers, make sure Steam Cloud is enabled. This feature automatically saves your game progress to Steam’s servers, allowing you to pick up where you left off on any device.
Adding Non-Steam Games to Your Library
You can add games you bought from other platforms (like EA, Epic Games Store, or GOG) to your Steam library as shortcuts. This allows you to launch these games through Steam and use Steam’s features like the overlay and controller support.
To add a non-Steam game:
- Go to Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.
- Browse your computer for the game’s executable file and select it.
- The game will now appear in your Steam library.
Transferring Game Files Between Computers
You can directly transfer game files between computers on your local network. This is useful for quickly installing games on a new computer without having to re-download them from Steam.
To transfer game files:
- Locate the game’s installation folder on the source computer (usually in C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon).
- Copy the game folder to a storage device (like an external hard drive or USB drive).
- Plug the storage device into the destination computer.
- Copy the game folder from the storage device to the same location on the destination computer.
- In Steam, start the game’s installation. Steam will detect the existing files and verify them instead of downloading the entire game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Steam Game Transfers
Here are some frequently asked questions about Steam game transfers to clarify any remaining doubts:
Can I merge my two Steam accounts?
No, Steam accounts cannot be merged. Each account is treated as a separate entity, and there’s no official way to combine them.
Can I transfer a game I already own to another account?
As previously established, no, you cannot directly transfer a game you already own to another account. Your only real option is to gift the game at the time of the game purchase.
What happens if I activate a game code for a game I already own?
If you try to activate a Steam key for a game you already own, you’ll receive an error message stating that your account already owns the product associated with the key.
Can I own two copies of the same game on one Steam account?
No, you cannot own two copies of the same game on a single Steam account. Steam only allows one instance of a game per account.
Can I play two Steam games at once on different computers using the same account?
No, you cannot play two Steam games simultaneously on different computers using the same account. Steam only allows one active session per account at a time.
Do I have to rebuy a game if I uninstall it on Steam?
No, you do not have to rebuy a game if you uninstall it on Steam. Uninstalling a game simply removes the game files from your computer. You can re-download and reinstall the game at any time without repurchasing it.
Will Steam keep my saved games if I uninstall a game?
If the game supports Steam Cloud, your save games will be stored on Steam’s servers and will be automatically synced when you reinstall the game. However, some games may store save data locally, so it’s always a good idea to back up your save files manually.
Can I use the same email address for multiple Steam accounts?
Yes, you can use the same email address for multiple Steam accounts. However, it is advisable to use unique email addresses for better security and organization.
Can I share my entire Steam library with a friend?
Yes, you can share your entire Steam library with a friend using Steam Family Sharing, but with the limitations mentioned earlier (only one user can play at a time, not all games are eligible, etc.).
What happens if I buy a Steam game twice?
If you accidentally buy a Steam game twice, you can request a refund for the duplicate purchase, provided you meet Steam’s refund policy requirements (less than two hours of playtime and the purchase was made within the last 14 days).
Can I refund a game on Steam if I never played it?
Yes, you can refund a game on Steam if you haven’t played it for more than two hours and the purchase was made within the last 14 days.
Where are Steam saved games stored?
Steam saved games are stored in different locations depending on whether the game uses Steam Cloud or not. Games that use Steam Cloud typically store save files in C:Program Files (x86)SteamUserdata. Games that don’t use Steam Cloud may store save files in your Documents folder or in the game’s installation directory.
Can I play Steam games offline?
Yes, you can play Steam games offline by enabling Offline Mode in the Steam client. This allows you to play games without an active internet connection.
What does linking Epic Games to Steam do?
Linking your Epic Games and Steam accounts allows you to synchronize your friends list and connect to cross-play games that support it. It doesn’t transfer game ownership between the two platforms.
What Steam games do you get 2 copies of when you purchase them?
Some games, like Achron, Bombernauts, Contraption Maker, and Crash Drive 2, come with an extra copy to gift to a friend. However, this is a rare exception rather than the rule.
Sharing the Love of Gaming Beyond Steam
While transferring game ownership on Steam remains restricted, remember that the joy of gaming extends beyond individual platforms. Consider exploring educational games and learning resources offered by organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which promotes the use of games for learning and development. These organizations offer alternative avenues to engage with gaming in a more collaborative and educational way. They are constantly involved in research to improve the educational system through game based learning.
In conclusion, while directly transferring ownership of Steam games is not possible, the platform offers various ways to share games, access them on multiple devices, and engage with the gaming community. Understanding these features and limitations allows you to make the most of your Steam library and share your love of gaming with others.