Does Steam Family Share Work With All Games? A Comprehensive Guide

No, Steam Family Sharing does not work with all games. While it’s a fantastic feature that allows you to share your vast digital game library with friends and family, certain limitations exist due to technical restrictions, publisher policies, and the nature of some games themselves. Think of it as a lending library with a few quirky rules – most titles are up for grabs, but some are kept under lock and key. Let’s delve deeper into the ins and outs of Steam Family Sharing.

Understanding the Mechanics of Steam Family Sharing

Steam Family Sharing allows up to five accounts across ten devices to access games in a shared library. The process involves authorizing specific computers and accounts to access the library. When a borrowed game is launched, the owner of the game receives a notification, and if the owner wishes to play, the borrower has a few minutes to either save their progress and quit or purchase the game themselves. It’s a pretty fair system designed to encourage buying your own copies while still offering a way to share the gaming love.

However, the system isn’t flawless, and certain games are exempt from sharing.

Why Some Games Are Excluded From Family Sharing

Several factors contribute to the exclusion of certain games from Steam Family Sharing. These include:

• Third-Party Keys and Accounts: Games that require an additional key, account, or subscription outside of Steam often cannot be shared. This is because the key or account is linked to the original purchaser, preventing multiple users from accessing it simultaneously. Examples include games that require a separate Ubisoft Connect or EA account.

• Technical Limitations: Some games are simply coded in a way that makes them incompatible with the Family Sharing system. This can be due to how the game handles licenses, save files, or online features.

• Publisher Restrictions: Publishers have the right to opt out of Family Sharing for their games. This is often done to prevent potential loss of sales or to enforce specific terms of service.

• Free-to-Play Games with In-Game Purchases: While the base game might be free, certain in-game items or features purchased by the original owner may not be accessible to those using Family Sharing.

• Games with External Launchers: Games that launch via an external launcher, like those from Rockstar Games or Ubisoft, might not work seamlessly with Family Sharing because Steam can’t directly control the launcher’s authentication process.

Identifying Games Compatible with Family Sharing

Unfortunately, Steam doesn’t provide a definitive list of games that are, or are not, compatible with Family Sharing. This can lead to some trial and error. The best way to determine if a game can be shared is to attempt to borrow it. If the “Borrow” option is available in the library view of the game, it’s likely shareable. However, this isn’t a guarantee, as unforeseen issues can still arise.

Troubleshooting Common Family Sharing Problems

If you’re experiencing issues with Family Sharing, here are some troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Family Sharing is Enabled: Make sure Family Sharing is enabled in Steam Settings under the “Family” tab for both the owner’s and borrower’s accounts.

2. Authorize Computers: Ensure the computer being used for borrowing is authorized in the owner’s Steam settings.

3. Check for Concurrent Usage: Remember, the owner of the game has priority. If they are playing any game in their library, the borrower will be kicked out.

4. Restart Steam: Sometimes a simple restart of the Steam client can resolve temporary glitches.

5. Re-Authorize Sharing: Try de-authorizing and re-authorizing the shared library.

6. Check for Updates: Ensure both Steam and the game itself are updated to the latest versions.

The Benefits of Family Sharing

Despite its limitations, Steam Family Sharing offers significant benefits:

• Cost Savings: Share your games with family and friends, saving everyone money on individual purchases.

• Try Before You Buy: Borrow a game to see if you like it before purchasing it.

• Separate Saves and Achievements: Each user maintains their own game progress and achievements, unlike sharing a single Steam account.

• Encourage Exploration: Introduce your friends and family to new games they might not have considered otherwise.

Games and Learning: A Powerful Combination

Beyond the entertainment value, video games can also be powerful learning tools. The Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ explores how games can be used to enhance education and development. By understanding the principles of game design, educators can create engaging and effective learning experiences. Explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Steam Family Sharing

Here are 15 commonly asked questions about Steam Family Sharing to help you get the most out of this feature.

1. Can I play a shared game at the same time as the owner?

No. If the owner of the game starts playing any game in their Steam library, anyone borrowing a game from them will be given a few minutes to exit the game or purchase it themselves.

2. Can I share my entire Steam library?

Yes, you can share your entire Steam library. However, individual games may be excluded due to the reasons mentioned earlier (third-party keys, publisher restrictions, etc.).

3. How many people can I share my Steam library with?

You can share your Steam library with up to five accounts across ten devices.

4. Can I play shared games offline?

Yes, but the owner must authorize offline access on the borrower’s computer before going offline. This needs to be set up while both computers are online and connected to Steam.

5. What happens if I get VAC banned while playing a shared game?

If you get VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) banned while playing a shared game, both your account and the owner’s account may be banned from playing VAC-secured games. Play fair!

6. How do I enable Steam Family Sharing?

Go to Steam Settings > Family and enable “Authorize Library Sharing on this Computer.” Then, select the Steam accounts you want to share with.

7. Can I share games with someone in another country?

Yes, you can share games with someone in another country, but both accounts must reside in the same region for price consistency and legal reasons.

8. How do I stop sharing my Steam library with someone?

Go to Steam Settings > Family and de-authorize the computer or account you no longer want to share with.

9. Why does it say “Purchase” instead of “Play” on a shared game?

This typically means the owner of the game is currently playing something in their library. Wait until they are finished, or purchase the game yourself.

10. Can I share DLC through Family Sharing?

Sometimes. If the base game is shareable, often the DLC will be too. However, if the DLC requires a separate activation key, it might not be shareable.

11. Does Family Sharing work with Early Access games?

It depends. Some Early Access games are compatible, while others are not, depending on how the developers have implemented the game’s licensing and access.

12. Can I share games that require a third-party launcher (e.g., Ubisoft Connect, EA App)?

Often, no. These games usually require a separate account that is tied to the original purchaser, preventing simultaneous use.

13. What happens to my progress if I buy a game I was previously borrowing?

Your save progress and achievements should carry over when you purchase a game you were previously borrowing through Family Sharing.

14. Why can’t I share a specific game, even though Family Sharing is enabled?

The publisher might have opted out of Family Sharing for that particular game. Alternatively, the game may require a third-party key or account.

15. Is there a limit to how long I can borrow a game?

There is no official time limit for borrowing a game through Family Sharing, as long as the owner doesn’t want to play anything in their library.

Conclusion

Steam Family Sharing is a valuable tool for sharing your gaming passion, but it’s essential to understand its limitations. While not all games are shareable, the vast majority are, offering a cost-effective and convenient way to enjoy games with friends and family. By understanding the rules and troubleshooting common issues, you can make the most of this fantastic Steam feature. Now go forth and share the gaming love!