Steam Family Sharing is a great feature that allows users to share their game library with family and friends. It lets you grant access to your games to others without needing to purchase multiple copies. However, it’s essential to understand its limitations, especially when it comes to online multiplayer games. This article will delve into how Steam Family Sharing works and what you should expect when sharing games with online components.
Steam Family Sharing operates on a lending system. When you enable Family Sharing, authorized accounts can access your game library. This means they can download and play games as if they owned them. However, there’s a crucial restriction: only one person can access a shared library at a time. If the library owner starts playing a game, anyone using the shared library will be given a few minutes to either purchase the game or quit playing.
This system works seamlessly for single-player games and many offline experiences. Family members can take turns enjoying different titles from a shared library. However, challenges arise with games that offer online services or multiplayer modes that rely on account-specific access.
One prime example of these limitations is with games like Factorio. While you can technically download and install Factorio through Steam Family Sharing, accessing its online services is not guaranteed for shared users. The original purchase of Factorio, much like many games with dedicated online components, often grants a single, non-transferrable license for its online features.
Think of it similarly to subscription-based MMOs or games with in-game economies. You wouldn’t expect to share a World of Warcraft account or access paid online services through family sharing. Factorio, while not subscription-based, operates on a similar principle regarding its online multiplayer and potentially account-linked features. The game purchase provides lifetime access to these online services for the purchaser, not for everyone who gains access through Steam Family Sharing.
Therefore, while Steam Family Sharing is excellent for sharing game access, understanding its boundaries is crucial. For online games, especially those with dedicated account-based services, shared users might encounter restrictions. It’s not always a straightforward “How To Family Share On Steam and get full access” scenario, particularly for games with online multiplayer and account-specific features like Factorio. Always manage expectations and understand that online components may have different licensing models than the base game itself.
