Hiding Games on Steam Family Sharing: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to curate the gaming experience for your family on Steam? While Steam Family Sharing is a fantastic feature, you might want to restrict access to specific games for certain users. Unfortunately, Steam doesn’t offer a direct “hide game” option within Family Sharing itself. What you can do is leverage Steam Family View in conjunction with careful management of your shared library. Here’s how:

The core method involves utilizing Steam’s Family View feature to restrict access to specific games. This requires setting up a PIN and carefully selecting which games are accessible when Family View is enabled on an account. This is especially helpful if you have younger children using your Steam library.

Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Game Access with Family View

1. Log in to Steam: Open the Steam client and log in to the account that shares the library via Family Sharing. This is usually the parent’s or primary account.

2. Access Family View Settings: Navigate to Steam’s settings. You can usually find this under the “Steam” menu in the top left corner of the client.

3. Enable Family View: Look for the “Family” tab within the settings menu. Here, you’ll find the option to enable Family View.

4. Choose Content Restrictions: Steam will guide you through a wizard where you can select what content and features will be restricted when Family View is enabled. This includes the Steam Store, Library, Community features, and importantly, specific games.

5. Select Restricted Games: Carefully select the games you want to restrict access to. You can choose to allow access to specific games only, or to block access to specific games, allowing everything else.

6. Set a PIN: Choose a strong PIN. This PIN will be required to exit Family View and access the restricted content. It is advisable not to choose a pin your kids will easily guess!

7. Test Family View: After setting up Family View, test it out. Log out of the account and log back in. You should be prompted for the PIN if you try to access a restricted game.

Important Considerations:

• Account-Specific: Family View settings are specific to each Steam account. This means you’ll need to configure it separately for each account that uses Family Sharing and needs restrictions.
• No Direct Hiding: As mentioned, there’s no “hide” button. You’re essentially creating a restricted mode with limited access.
• Open Communication: While technical solutions are helpful, open communication with your family about appropriate content is always beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions that are related to hiding games on Steam family sharing:

1. Can I Hide a Game Completely from Everyone, Even Myself?

No, Steam doesn’t offer a feature to completely hide a game from your own library. However, you can remove it from your view by uninstalling the game. It will still appear in your library but won’t be readily accessible. You can also use categories in your Steam library to organize your games and keep unwanted titles out of sight.

2. What Happens If Someone Tries to Play a Restricted Game in Family View?

If someone tries to launch a game that is restricted by Family View, they will be prompted to enter the PIN. Without the correct PIN, they cannot access the game.

3. Can I Change the Games Restricted by Family View Later?

Yes, you can change the Family View settings at any time. Simply go back to the “Family” tab in Steam’s settings, enter your PIN, and modify the allowed or restricted games.

4. Does Family View Affect Online Gameplay?

Family View primarily restricts access to the game itself. If a game is allowed within Family View, online gameplay is unaffected.

5. Can I Have Different Family View Settings for Different Users on the Same Computer?

Yes, as Family View is account-specific. Each Steam account on the same computer can have its own unique Family View settings.

6. How Does Family View Interact with Steam’s Parental Controls?

Family View essentially is Steam’s primary parental control feature. It provides the tools necessary to restrict access to content and features within the Steam environment.

7. Is Steam Family Sharing Legal?

Yes, Steam Family Library Sharing is a legal feature provided by Valve, the company behind Steam. However, it’s intended for sharing with immediate family and close friends, not for commercial purposes. Sharing purchased games is actually not allowed; however, one special function enables legal account sharing: the Steam Family Library.

8. What are the Limitations of Steam Family Sharing?

There are several limitations. Only one person can play games from a shared library at a time. If the owner of the library starts playing a game, anyone using the shared library will be given a few minutes to save their progress and quit. You may authorize Family Library Sharing on up to 10 devices at a given time, and for up to 5 accounts that may then use your game library on any of your authorized computers. Also, some games may not be shareable due to technical reasons or publisher restrictions.

9. Can I Play Games While Someone Else is Using My Shared Library?

Yes, you can. However, you must play games that are not in your shared library or purchase the game you want to play so that it is on your account separately from your shared library.

10. What Happens If I Get VAC Banned?

If your account receives a VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) ban, your Family Sharing privileges may be revoked, and shared games may become unavailable to those you’ve shared with. Games that the player is VAC banned from cannot be shared.

11. Why is My Steam Settings Greyed Out?

This usually indicates that Family View is enabled. You need to exit Family View by entering your PIN to access and modify Steam’s settings.

12. What’s the Difference Between Invisible Mode and Offline Mode?

Invisible mode makes you appear offline to your friends, but you can still chat and participate in the Steam community. Offline mode completely disconnects you from the Steam network, allowing you to play games without an internet connection. Invisible status will show you as offline to other players. You’ll still be able to view your friends list, send and receive messages and otherwise participate in the community. However, other players won’t see you as online. Offline status will actually sign you out of the Steam community.

13. Can I Sell My Steam Account?

No, selling Steam accounts is against Steam’s Terms of Service. Your account is for your personal use only and cannot be transferred to another person.

14. What is Steam Guard?

Steam Guard is a security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your account. When enabled, you’ll need to enter a special code (usually sent to your email or phone) each time you log in from an unrecognized device. The Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator is a feature of the Steam Mobile App that provides an additional level of security to your Steam account. The authenticator generates a code that you need to enter every time that you log on to your Steam account.

15. Where Can I Learn More About Educational Games?

For more on the intersection of gaming and education, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games can be used as powerful tools for learning and engagement.

By combining Steam Family View with a solid understanding of Steam’s settings, you can effectively manage game access within your family and create a safe and enjoyable gaming environment for everyone.