What happens if you borrow a game on Steam?

What Happens If You Borrow a Game on Steam?

Borrowing a game on Steam allows family members and friends to play games owned by another Steam account while earning their own Steam achievements and saving their own game progress. This feature is enabled by authorizing shared computers and users. In this article, we will explore the process of borrowing a game on Steam and the benefits and limitations that come with it.

Can You Borrow a Game on Steam?

Yes, you can borrow a game on Steam. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Authorizing Shared Computers and Users: Go to your Steam account settings and click on the "Family" tab. From there, you can add family members and authorize shared computers and users.
2. Selecting a Game to Borrow: Go to your Steam library and select the game you want to borrow. Click on the "Borrow" button to request access to the game.
3. Requesting Access: The game owner will receive an email with a link to allow you to play the game. Click on the link to access the game.

Limitations of Borrowing a Game on Steam

While borrowing a game on Steam offers many benefits, there are some limitations to consider:

• Only One User Can Play at a Time: Only one user can play the borrowed game at a time, including the owner of the game.
• Game Ownership Remains with the Original Owner: The original owner of the game retains ownership and can revoke access to the game at any time.
• Some Games are Excluded from Family Sharing: Not all games on Steam are eligible for family sharing, and some games may be excluded due to copyright and sharing rules.

Benefits of Borrowing a Game on Steam

Borrowing a game on Steam offers several benefits:

• Play Games Owned by Others: Borrowing a game allows you to play games owned by others, including family members and friends.
• Earn Your Own Steam Achievements: When you borrow a game, you can earn your own Steam achievements and save your own game progress.
• Convenience: Borrowing a game eliminates the need to purchase a game separately or manage multiple accounts.
• Cost-Effective: Borrowing a game can be a cost-effective way to access games without having to purchase them.

How to Check if a Game is Eligible for Family Sharing

You can check if a game is eligible for family sharing by following these steps:

1. Go to the Game’s Steam Store Page: Go to the Steam store page of the game you want to check.
2. Check the "Family Sharing" Tab: Look for the "Family Sharing" tab on the game’s store page. If the tab is available, the game is eligible for family sharing.

Conclusion

Borrowing a game on Steam is a convenient and cost-effective way to access games owned by others while earning your own Steam achievements and saving your own game progress. While there are some limitations to consider, the benefits of borrowing a game on Steam make it a great option for families and friends who want to share games.