After an extensive beta testing period, Steam Family Groups are now available to all users. They will replace Family Mode and Family Library.

A family group can consist of up to six members (including you), and the libraries of all users will be collected in one shared library. Exceptions may include games whose developers have opted out of family access.

steam family

The most important improvement in this update is the ability to play games from a family member’s library at the same time. Previously, if the owner of a game was playing something, it would block access to their entire library. Now the only restriction is not to play the same game at the same time.

A family group will have 2 statuses for its members: adult and child. The owner of the family group will be able to determine when and what games can be played. The group owner will also be able to view statistics on how many hours and when each group member played.

You can create a Family Group by going to Settings in the Steam menu, and then go to the Family section. If you were already a member of a Family Group during the beta, you do not need to create it again.