Valve Launches Steam Families, Enhancing Game Sharing and Parental Controls

The new feature allows up to six users to share game libraries, play simultaneously, and manage child accounts with robust parental controls.

Steam Families replaces the old Family Sharing system, allowing up to six users to share game libraries and play different games at the same time.
The feature includes enhanced parental controls, enabling adults to set playtime limits, restrict access to certain games, and approve purchase requests from child accounts.
A one-year cooldown period applies if a user leaves a Steam Family, preventing them from joining or creating a new family immediately.
Games can be played offline, and each user maintains their own save files and achievements, though some games may not support the sharing feature.
The system is intended for immediate family members, with regional restrictions in place, and developers can opt out of making their games shareable.