Can You Share Games on Steam? Here’s a Guide to Understanding How it Works

I. Introduction

Steam is a popular digital gaming platform that has revolutionized the way gamers purchase and play games. One of the features that makes Steam stand out is the ability to share games with friends and family. However, many gamers are still unsure of how game sharing works on Steam and its legality. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of game sharing on Steam and provide a guideline on how to do it effectively.

II. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Sharing Games on Steam

Before delving into the specifics of how game sharing on Steam works, it is essential to examine the benefits and drawbacks of this feature.

A. Benefits of Game Sharing

Sharing games on Steam is a fantastic way to save money, especially for gamers on a tight budget. It allows you to share purchased games with their friends and family, eliminating the need to buy the same game multiple times. Game sharing also enables you to try out a new game before purchasing it. It provides a way to discover new games and genres without committing to buying them upfront.

B. Drawbacks of Game Sharing

The primary downside of game sharing on Steam is the limitation of simultaneous play. If someone is playing a shared game, it is not possible for you to play that same game at the same time. Moreover, you cannot share games with anyone outside of your family and friends lists, which can be a disadvantage for online communities.

III. A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Share Games on Steam

Sharing games on Steam is simple, but it does require a bit of setup. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you share games on Steam:

A. How to Share Games with Friends and Family

To share a game with a friend or family member on Steam, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Steam account and click on the ‘Steam’ tab in the top left corner of the screen.
2. Select ‘Settings’ from the drop-down menu, then click the ‘Family’ tab.
3. Select ‘Authorize Library Sharing on this computer.’
4. Select the Steam Library you’d like to share and click ‘Authorize Library Sharing.’
5. Add the Steam accounts of the friends and family members you’d like to share your games with.
6. Enable Steam Guard on the accounts of those with whom you share games.
7. Ask the family members and friends to log in to your shared library on their account by selecting ‘Family’ in the Steam client and choosing your library.
8. After logging in, they can access and play your shared games.

B. How to Revoke Access to Shared Games

To revoke access to your shared games, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Steam account and click on the ‘Steam’ tab in the top left corner of the screen.
2. Select ‘Settings’ from the drop-down menu, then click the ‘Family’ tab.
3. Find the account you want to revoke shared access from and click on ‘Revoke’.

C. Tips for Effective Game Sharing

Here are some tips for effective game sharing on Steam:

• Only share games with people you trust and know well.
• Ensure that the family or friend you are sharing games with are not playing them at the same time as you.
• Make sure your internet connection is strong and stable to avoid connection and latency issues.
• Be aware that not all games are shareable on Steam, so check the game page to ensure it is eligible.

IV. A Comparison of Game Sharing on Steam and Other Platforms

Steam is not the only platform that offers game sharing. Here is a comparison of Steam’s game sharing to other platforms:

A. Steam vs. Console Platforms

Unlike Steam which allows you to remotely share your library with friends and family, console platforms like PlayStation and Xbox use a physical disc for game sharing. With these platforms, a gamer can borrow another gamer’s physical copy of the game to play it, but only one person can play the game at a time. This limitation is not imposed on Steam’s game sharing, making it easier to share and play games simultaneously without physical copies.

B. Steam vs. Other PC Gaming Platforms

Other PC gaming platforms with similar game sharing features include GOG Galaxy 2.0 and Origin. However, Steam has a wider range of games in its library, making it a go-to platform for sharing games.

C. Pros and Cons of Each Platform’s Game Sharing System

The pros and cons of game sharing on each platform are dependent on personal preferences. For gamers who like to share their gaming libraries and play games simultaneously with friends and family, Steam’s game sharing is more convenient. However, for those who prefer owning physical copies of their games, console platforms are the better option.

V. Troubleshooting Tips for Steam Game Sharing Issues

Despite Steam’s intuitive game sharing system, it’s not immune to technical difficulties. Here are some of the common problems faced by Steam game sharers and possible solutions:

A. Common Problems and Their Solutions

• Game Launch Failure: This issue can be fixed by choosing ‘Verify Integrity of Game Cache’ in the ‘Properties’ menu.
• Shared Access Not Working: Make sure that Steam Guard is enabled on both accounts, and the person with whom you are sharing games has selected your library under the ‘Family’ section in their Steam client.
• Unable to Play Games: Ensure that the game is eligible for sharing and that only one person is playing the game at a time.

B. How to Contact Steam Support for Help

If you encounter any issues while sharing games on Steam, you can contact Steam support. The Steam support team is available 24/7 to assist with any inquiries or concerns, and they typically respond within a day.

VI. The Ethics of Sharing Games on Steam: Is it Legal and Fair?

While game sharing on Steam is not illegal, there are still ethical considerations that gamers should keep in mind. Sharing games with someone outside of your family and friends list may not be fair, especially to developers and publishers who rely on sales to make a profit.

A. Legal Considerations of Game Sharing

The legality of game sharing depends on the user’s location and the platform’s terms and conditions. Generally, game sharing on Steam is legal, as long as users share games with friends and family only. Sharing games with strangers or attempting to sell access to your game library is illegal.

B. Ethical Considerations of Game Sharing

The prevalence of game sharing has led to a debate about its ethics. Some gamers argue that sharing games with friends and family helps to promote gaming culture and increases interest in games. Others believe that developers and publishers miss out on revenue, hurting the industry as a whole.

C. Arguments for and Against Game Sharing

Here are some arguments for and against game sharing on Steam:

• For: Game sharing helps gamers save money, discover new games, and build a sense of community with friends and family.
• Against: Game sharing hurts developers and publishers who rely on game sales to make a profit, which could limit their ability to invest in new games or improve existing ones.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, Steam’s game sharing feature is an excellent way to share your game library with friends and family. While there are some limitations to the system, game sharing on Steam provides an opportunity to save money and discover new games. Remember to follow the guidelines and ethical principles when sharing games on Steam.

Before game sharing, ensure that you only share games with people you trust. Be aware of the game sharing limitations regarding simultaneous play and check the game page to confirm eligibility. If you run into any issues, reach out to Steam support for assistance.