Game sharing on PC typically involves using family sharing features available on platforms like Steam or setting up a shared account.
Want to play your friend’s new release without purchasing it? Or share your vast library with family members? It’s entirely possible to explore how to game share on pc. Several platforms offer solutions that can help you grant access to your digital games to others and vice-versa.
These methods vary slightly depending on the specific platform you use. Some require shared logins, while others offer more family-friendly options. Exploring your platform’s support page is always a good starting point before going further.
How to Game Share on PC
Want to play awesome PC games with your friends or family without buying multiple copies? You’re in the right place! Game sharing on PC lets you do just that. It’s like lending a book, but for video games. Instead of everyone having to buy the same game, one person can share their library. This not only saves money but also opens up a world of cooperative fun. Let’s explore the different ways you can share games on your PC.
Understanding Game Sharing Concepts
Before we jump into the “how-to,” let’s understand what game sharing actually means on PC. Unlike consoles, where sharing is often built into the platform, PC game sharing relies more on the specific stores and launchers where you buy your games. The process can also vary based on whether you use digital platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, or GOG, or through other family sharing options.
Family Sharing vs. Account Sharing
It’s important to distinguish between two primary methods of sharing: family sharing and account sharing. Family sharing, often a feature of the specific gaming platform, allows you to share your game library with people you trust. However, there are limitations, usually like only one person can play at a time. Account sharing, on the other hand, involves giving another person access to your full account, which comes with risks and is often against the terms of service of many platforms.
- Family Sharing: This is generally the safer and more acceptable method. It’s designed for use within a close group of people, like family members.
- Account Sharing: While this might seem simpler, it’s often risky and can lead to account bans or other problems. It’s best avoided if possible.
Game Sharing Through Steam
Steam is one of the most popular platforms for PC games, and they have a feature called “Steam Family Sharing.” This lets you share your entire library with up to five other accounts on authorized computers. This is done through a Steam feature and doesn’t involve using your password directly with others.
Setting up Steam Family Sharing
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started with Steam Family Sharing:
- Log in to Steam on the computer you want to share from. This is the computer with all your games.
- Go to Steam settings. You can do this by clicking on “Steam” in the top left corner, and then on “Settings.”
- Click on the “Family” tab. You will see a list of shared accounts if you have previously shared, or you will see “Authorize Library Sharing”.
- Check the box to authorize “Family Sharing on this computer”. Now, any accounts that are logged on this computer can be used to share library.
- Authorize shared accounts. On the same settings page you will see “Accounts eligible for sharing on this computer,” and you can select accounts you want to be able to use your library.
- Have your friend log in to their Steam account on the computer you just authorized. It is very important they login on the exact same computer where you authorized shared accounts.
- Now when they login to their account they will have access to your game library to download and play games.
Important Note: Only one person can play a game from your library at a time. If you start playing a game while someone else is using it, they’ll have a few minutes to save their game and quit before being kicked out.
Steam Family Sharing Limitations
Steam Family Sharing, while convenient, does have some rules. You need to understand these so that you don’t run into unexpected interruptions.
- One Person at a Time: As mentioned, only one person can use a library at a time. If you start a game from your library while someone else is using it, they will be asked to save their progress and quit shortly.
- Specific Games May Not Be Shareable: Certain games might not be available for sharing. This can be due to technical issues or publisher restrictions. In some cases, DLC (downloadable content) might not be shareable unless the person sharing the game also owns the base game.
- Sharing Restrictions: There is a limit to how many users can be authorized at once. Steam may also place a limit on how frequently you can switch authorized accounts on a computer. This is to prevent abuse of the system.
- Vac Bans: If any account in your family sharing program uses cheats on any games, all accounts included in the sharing program may be permanently banned from using the game, and games may be banned from being shared.
Game Sharing Through Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store, though it doesn’t have an official “family sharing” feature like Steam, has ways you can share your games. The main way is by using the same account, and while not recommended, this can be a way to share in some cases, though very risky, or you can give your Epic Games account to another user directly, though again this is risky.
The Risks of Account Sharing on Epic Games Store
While sharing an account can seem like a direct way to let another person play your games, there are important risks to know about:
- Security Risks: Sharing your login info gives the other person access to your complete account. This includes your payment information, personal data, and your whole library.
- Violation of Terms of Service: Most platforms, including Epic Games, discourage or ban account sharing. You may lose access to your account if you violate those terms.
- Potential for Issues: If the other person modifies settings on your account, uses cheats, or changes personal information, it can be difficult to resolve.
Alternative methods of playing games on EGS with Friends
While there isn’t a direct and safe way to share games, you can still have fun with your friends on EGS, such as by playing multiplayer games together, or by having multiple people buy games through separate accounts.
Game Sharing Through GOG (Good Old Games)
GOG is another great platform for PC games, and it’s well known for DRM-free games (Digital Rights Management). This means you own the game directly and are not restricted by DRM systems, which is different from other launchers. Since it is DRM free, there is no way to game share through GOG like Steam, instead users can directly install the game on any PC using the downloadable installer, and as long as they are using the same installer from the same purchase, there is no difference from buying the game yourself.
How Game Sharing Works on GOG
Because GOG games are DRM-free, you have freedom in sharing them. This means you can share installers with others.
- Download and Share: You can simply download the game from your GOG account and copy the installation files (the .exe or .dmg file) to a USB drive or share it through cloud storage.
- Install on Other Computers: The person you shared with can use those files to install the game on their computer. They won’t need your GOG account or any activation keys.
Important Note: While sharing the installation files is technically possible, keep in mind the ethical aspect. Supporting developers through the official channels is essential, and although there is freedom through the DRM-free model, it does not mean that you are exempt from supporting the developers by buying additional copies if you plan to play it with multiple users.
Considerations for GOG Game Sharing
While GOG provides the most freedom with sharing, there are still a few things to keep in mind:
- Ethical Considerations: Always consider the ethical implications of sharing, especially if you are planning to play the game with other users.
- Multiplayer limitations: While you can install games on multiple PC’s using the same installer, if the game features any multiplayer aspect, this will not work unless each user buys a copy of the game to play together.
Other Methods and Things to Keep in Mind
Apart from the major game launchers, there are other aspects to think about when sharing PC games, as well as some alternative methods.
Using Cloud Gaming Services
Cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming offer an alternative to traditional game sharing. These services stream games to your devices, meaning you don’t actually need to install the game on your PC. If you subscribe to a cloud gaming service, you can share the account with another person, similar to other account sharing methods, though it is important to remember the same risks.
Physical Games and Discs
Back before digital downloads, most games were bought on physical discs, which also could be shared, like other physical goods, such as books. You would need to install the game from the disc, and you could install a game on multiple PC’s with the same disc, though a unique product key may be required for activation, and it would not be usable on multiple PCs at the same time.
Ethical Game Sharing
It’s important to remember that game developers work hard to create the games we love. Support them by buying games when you can, and do not use methods of game sharing in a way that would harm the developers by using multiple copies from one purchase.
Keep Your Software Updated
Make sure you always update your game launchers and operating systems to avoid compatibility or security issues with games. Sometimes updates to launchers may also introduce new features for game sharing.
Communicate with Your Sharing Partners
When sharing games with other people, always talk to them. Make sure everyone understands the rules and limitations. For example, in Steam Family Sharing, you may want to schedule gaming times to avoid conflicts. Good communication makes for a smoother experience.
Game sharing on PC is a terrific way to enjoy games together while saving money. Just make sure to do it responsibly. By understanding the rules of each platform and keeping your accounts safe, you can have endless fun with your friends and family. Always remember to play fair, and to support developers by purchasing their games through legitimate means.
How to Game Share on PC!
Final Thoughts
To share games on PC, utilize family sharing features on platforms like Steam. Enable the setting, and authorize another account on your PC. This will allow the other account to access your games while you’re not actively playing them.
Remember, simultaneous access is usually not allowed, so you cannot play the same game at the same time using this method. Keep in mind this restriction when exploring ‘how to game share on pc’.
