Valve introduced Family Groups in Steam in March — a set of updated existing and new features that allow users to share their games. Now, the update has exited beta and is available to everyone. Up to six people from the same country can join one Steam "family" — the system does not allow group formation with users from different regions.

Family accounts are divided into two types: labeled "adult" and "child." The former can leave the family group at will, but if they do, they will only be able to join another group after a year. The latter cannot leave on their own — they must be removed by one of the "adult" users. The system includes parental controls, allowing parents to manage a child's access to games, such as setting a daily playtime limit.

If one of the participants in a family group is banned in an online game, the owner of that game will also be blocked. Valve has also made it easier for parents to purchase games for their children. Accounts labeled "child" can request payment for games from their shopping cart.

Main image: youtube.com

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