Steam Families is here with new family features, shared game access, and parental controls

Steam has announced the launch of Steam Families, a new suite of family-related features now available to all users. This update replaces Steam Family Sharing and Steam Family View, consolidating family management tools into one location. Users can create a Steam Family and invite up to five members, managing access from the Steam Client, mobile device, or web browser.

Joining a Steam Family grants access to shareable games owned by family members, with each user maintaining individual saved games, achievements, and workshop files. Family Sharing also allows simultaneous play of the same game if multiple copies exist in the library.

New parental controls enable parents to set limits on game access and monitor activity. Additionally, a new payment option allows child accounts to request purchases through an in-family adult, who can approve and pay via mobile device or email. Approved games are then added to the child's account.