Steam Families is a feature provided by Steam that allows users to manage and share their gaming library and account functionalities within a family group.
Based on information by Jay Peters, a news editor covering technology and video games, the Steam Families feature provides several core capabilities designed for group use:
Key Functions of Steam Families
Steam Families combines several features previously available separately, along with new functionalities, into a single system for managing access and purchases for multiple people linked together. Its primary functions, as highlighted in the provided reference, include:
- Sharing Games: The feature enables the sharing of games within the family group. This means members of the family can access and play games owned by other members.
- Managing Parental Controls: Steam Families provides tools for managing parental controls. This allows users to set restrictions and oversee the activities of younger family members on the platform.
- Approving Requests to Buy Games: A significant aspect of parental control within Steam Families is the ability to approve requests made by family members (presumably children or dependents) to purchase games. This adds a layer of oversight before transactions are completed.
In essence, Steam Families aims to streamline the management of multiple Steam accounts linked to a household, facilitating game sharing and providing necessary tools for parental oversight and purchase management.
