Steam Family Sharing is a valuable feature that allows families and close friends to share their Steam game libraries. It provides a convenient way for users to experience a wider range of games without needing to purchase each title individually. However, it’s crucial to understand that Steam Family Sharing has inherent limitations, particularly when it comes to accessing all facets of a game.
How Steam Family Sharing Works on Steam
Fundamentally, Steam Family Sharing enables you to authorize up to five other Steam accounts to access your games on computers you’ve designated as shared. This grants them the ability to download and play games in your library as if they were the owners. It’s a straightforward system designed to facilitate game sharing within households or among trusted circles.
Limitations: Online Services and Multiplayer Functionality
While Family Sharing extends access to the core game files, it doesn’t automatically encompass online services or multiplayer capabilities in every instance. Certain games, such as Factorio, may incorporate online components that are intrinsically linked to the initial game purchase. Consequently, while you can download and engage with Factorio through Family Sharing, you might encounter restrictions when attempting to utilize online multiplayer modes or features tied to a specific account.
Reasons Behind These Access Restrictions
These limitations often stem from the way game developers structure their online services and game licensing models. Consider it analogous to a subscription-based service – sharing the base game doesn’t inherently grant universal access to the subscription element for every user. In the context of Factorio, accessing its online services is tied to the original game license acquisition, which is a measure to ensure equitable access and maintain server stability. Much like you wouldn’t anticipate sharing a single subscription to a massively multiplayer online game (MMO) across numerous accounts without additional purchases, similar principles govern online game features within shared Steam libraries.
In Conclusion
Steam Family Sharing is an excellent tool for sharing single-player experiences and games that offer local multiplayer options. Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that games with dedicated online services or account-based functionalities might have restricted access when utilized through Family Sharing. A clear understanding of these limitations ensures realistic expectations when sharing your Steam library with others.
