Steam Legacy Library Sharing, a feature that allowed users to share their game libraries with friends and family, will be discontinued in 2025. This change was announced by Valve, the company behind Steam, in a blog post on their website.
Steam Legacy Library Sharing has been a popular feature among Steam users since its inception in 2013. It has allowed users to share their games with others, even if those users did not own the games themselves. This has been a great way for users to try out new games, or to play games with friends who may not be able to afford to buy them.
However, Valve has stated that they are discontinuing Steam Legacy Library Sharing in order to focus on their new Family Sharing feature. Family Sharing allows users to share their games with up to five other family members. This feature is more restrictive than Steam Legacy Library Sharing, but it also provides more control over who can access your games.
If you are currently using Steam Legacy Library Sharing, you will need to switch to Family Sharing before 2025. Otherwise, you will no longer be able to share your games with others.
1. Convenience
Steam Legacy Library Sharing was a convenient way for users to share their games with others, regardless of their location or platform. This was a major benefit for users who wanted to play games with friends and family who lived in different parts of the world or who used different gaming platforms.
- Global reach: Steam Legacy Library Sharing allowed users to share their games with friends and family anywhere in the world. This was a major benefit for users who had friends and family living in different countries or regions.
- Cross-platform play: Steam Legacy Library Sharing allowed users to share their games with friends and family who used different gaming platforms. This was a major benefit for users who wanted to play games with friends and family who used different consoles or PCs.
- Ease of use: Steam Legacy Library Sharing was easy to use. Users simply had to add their friends and family to their Steam friends list and then share their games with them. This made it easy for users to share their games with others, even if they were not familiar with Steam.
The discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing is a major inconvenience for users who have been using this feature to share their games with others. Users who want to continue sharing their games with others will need to switch to Family Sharing before 2025.
2. Cost-saving
Steam Legacy Library Sharing was a cost-saving measure for many users. By sharing games with friends and family, users could avoid having to purchase multiple copies of the same game. This was a significant savings, especially for games that were expensive or for users who had a large number of friends and family members who also played games.
The discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing in 2025 will have a negative impact on many users. Users who are accustomed to sharing games with friends and family will now have to purchase multiple copies of games if they want to play together. This will be a significant cost increase for many users.
There are a few alternatives to Steam Legacy Library Sharing that users can consider. One option is to use Family Sharing. Family Sharing allows users to share their games with up to five other family members. However, Family Sharing is more restrictive than Steam Legacy Library Sharing, as it only allows users to share games with family members who live in the same household.
Another option is to purchase games that are available on multiple platforms. This will allow users to share games with friends and family who use different gaming platforms. However, this option may not be feasible for all games, as some games are only available on certain platforms.The discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing is a significant change for Steam users. Users who are accustomed to sharing games with friends and family will need to find alternative ways to do so. This may involve purchasing multiple copies of games or using Family Sharing.
3. Socialization
Steam Legacy Library Sharing has played a significant role in fostering socialization among gamers. By allowing users to share their game libraries with friends and family, it has enabled them to connect with others who share their interests and to enjoy gaming experiences together. The discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing in 2025 will have a negative impact on the social aspects of gaming for many users.
- Shared experiences: Steam Legacy Library Sharing has allowed users to share unique and memorable gaming experiences with friends and family. By playing games together, users have been able to bond over shared interests and create lasting memories.
- Community building: Steam Legacy Library Sharing has helped to build communities of gamers who share similar interests. Through shared game libraries, users have been able to connect with others who enjoy the same games and to form friendships based on their shared passion for gaming.
- Discovery of new games: Steam Legacy Library Sharing has allowed users to discover new games that they may not have otherwise tried. By sharing their game libraries with friends and family, users have been able to experience a wider variety of games and to find new favorites.
- Reduced isolation: For some users, Steam Legacy Library Sharing has helped to reduce feelings of isolation. By allowing users to connect with others through shared gaming experiences, it has provided a sense of community and belonging.
The discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing in 2025 will have a significant impact on the social aspects of gaming for many users. Users who have relied on this feature to connect with friends and family will need to find alternative ways to do so. This may involve using other platforms or services that allow for game sharing, or it may simply mean that users will have to purchase multiple copies of games in order to play together.
4. Discovery
The discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing in 2025 will have a negative impact on the ability of users to discover new games. This is because Steam Legacy Library Sharing has allowed users to play games that they may not have otherwise tried, based on the recommendations of their friends and family.
- Exposure to a wider variety of games: Steam Legacy Library Sharing has allowed users to access a wider variety of games than they would have been able to if they had to purchase each game individually. This has given users the opportunity to try out new genres and styles of games that they may not have otherwise considered.
- Recommendations from trusted sources: Steam Legacy Library Sharing has allowed users to get recommendations for games from their friends and family, who are likely to have similar tastes in games. This has helped users to find new games that they are likely to enjoy.
- Reduced risk of purchasing a game that you don’t like: Steam Legacy Library Sharing has allowed users to try out games before they purchase them. This has helped users to avoid wasting money on games that they don’t end up liking.
The discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing in 2025 will make it more difficult for users to discover new games. Users will have to rely on other methods, such as reading reviews or watching gameplay videos, to find new games to play. This may lead to users missing out on some great games that they would have otherwise discovered through Steam Legacy Library Sharing.
Steam Legacy Library Sharing Ending 2025 FAQs
In 2025, Steam Legacy Library Sharing will be discontinued. This change will affect users who have been using this feature to share their game libraries with friends and family. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing:
Question 1: Why is Steam Legacy Library Sharing being discontinued?
Steam Legacy Library Sharing is being discontinued in order to focus on the new Family Sharing feature. Family Sharing allows users to share their games with up to five other family members. This feature is more restrictive than Steam Legacy Library Sharing, but it also provides more control over who can access your games.Question 2: When will Steam Legacy Library Sharing be discontinued?
Steam Legacy Library Sharing will be discontinued in 2025.Question 3: What are the alternatives to Steam Legacy Library Sharing?
The alternative to Steam Legacy Library Sharing is Family Sharing. Family Sharing allows users to share their games with up to five other family members.Question 4: What are the benefits of Family Sharing?
Family Sharing provides more control over who can access your games. It also allows users to share their games with up to five other family members.Question 5: What are the drawbacks of Family Sharing?
Family Sharing is more restrictive than Steam Legacy Library Sharing. It only allows users to share their games with up to five other family members.Question 6: How can I switch to Family Sharing?
To switch to Family Sharing, you will need to create a family group on Steam. Once you have created a family group, you can add up to five other family members to the group. Once you have added family members to your group, you can share your games with them.
The discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing is a significant change for Steam users. Users who have been using this feature to share their game libraries with friends and family will need to switch to Family Sharing before 2025. Family Sharing is a more restrictive feature than Steam Legacy Library Sharing, but it also provides more control over who can access your games.
Tips for Steam Legacy Library Sharing Ending 2025
Steam Legacy Library Sharing is a popular feature that allows users to share their game libraries with friends and family. However, this feature will be discontinued in 2025. Here are some tips to help you prepare for this change:
Tip 1: Switch to Family Sharing
The best way to continue sharing your games with friends and family after the discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing is to switch to Family Sharing. Family Sharing is a more restrictive feature, but it also provides more control over who can access your games.
Tip 2: Purchase Games on Multiple Platforms
If you want to continue playing games with friends and family who use different platforms, you can purchase games on multiple platforms. This will allow you to share your games with friends and family regardless of their platform.
Tip 3: Use a Game Sharing Service
There are a number of game sharing services available online. These services allow you to share your games with friends and family, even if they do not have the same platform or game library. However, these services may charge a fee.
Tip 4: Purchase Games on Sale
If you are planning on purchasing games to share with friends and family, you can save money by purchasing them on sale. Steam
Tip 5: Borrow Games from Friends and Family
If you do not want to purchase games to share with friends and family, you can always borrow games from them. This is a great way to save money and to try out new games.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Switching to Family Sharing is the best way to continue sharing your games with friends and family after the discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing.
- Purchasing games on multiple platforms allows you to share your games with friends and family regardless of their platform.
- Game sharing services can be used to share your games with friends and family, even if they do not have the same platform or game library.
- Purchasing games on sale can save you money if you are planning on purchasing games to share with friends and family.
- Borrowing games from friends and family is a great way to save money and to try out new games.
The discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing is a significant change for Steam users. However, by following these tips, you can prepare for this change and continue to enjoy sharing your games with friends and family.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing in 2025 will have a significant impact on Steam users. This feature has allowed users to share their game libraries with friends and family, regardless of their location or platform. It has also been a cost-saving measure for many users, and it has facilitated socialization and the discovery of new games.
While the discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing is a significant change, there are alternatives available to users. Family Sharing allows users to share their games with up to five other family members. Purchasing games on multiple platforms allows users to share their games with friends and family who use different platforms. Game sharing services can be used to share games with friends and family, even if they do not have the same platform or game library. Purchasing games on sale can save users money if they are planning on purchasing games to share with friends and family. Borrowing games from friends and family is a great way to save money and to try out new games.
By following these tips, users can prepare for the discontinuation of Steam Legacy Library Sharing and continue to enjoy sharing their games with friends and family.
