It’s still at a rumor phase, so we’ll have to wait and see. However, some code buried in the latest Steam client beta shows something called a “shared game library”. If it’s true, it would be mighty cool – can lend games through Steam, not just via disc.
First spotted on NeoGaf, the code (for those of you who understand that stuff) is:
“SteamUI_JoinDialog_SharedLicense_Title” “Shared game library”
“SteamUI_JoinDialog_SharedLicenseLocked_OwnerText” “Just so you know, your games are currently in use by %borrower%. Playing now will send %borrower% a notice that it’s time to quit.”
“SteamUI_JoinDialog_SharedLicenseLocked_BorrowerText” “This shared game is currently unavailable. Please try again later or buy this game for your own library.”
Translated into English, this means that somewhere deep in the code lies a shared library. With it, you’ll be able to lend games to people, and kick them off your game when you want to play. Obviously, like sharing a disc, only one user can play at a time.
Please keep in mind that this isn’t active code, and who knows if it ever will be. It’s all in the hazy stage of possibility and rumor. However, it’s pretty freaking awesome! Perhaps it will be like the Xbox One’s sharing option with the “family of friends”, I know I would certainly appreciate some sharing. Plus, with the ability to kick people off your game, it’s even better than giving a disc and then having to pester the person to get it back!
Last Updated: June 19, 2013
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
June 19, 2013 at 14:35
That would be pretty cool. Just like it’s a pretty cool idea on XBoxOne. Pitty XBoxOne doesn’t allow any form of offline play
Eric Viljoen
June 19, 2013 at 14:50
Neither does Steam 😛
Argentil
June 19, 2013 at 14:52
I’ve never had an issue playing in offline mode, but from what I’ve read, there are certain games that require an online authentication once a week or so.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
June 19, 2013 at 14:53
Yeah it does? I often play offline with my steam. You simply select Go Offline in the menu and it restarts it in offline mode.
Admiral Chief Groot Wors
June 19, 2013 at 14:54
This is true, I almost NEVER see LC online
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
June 19, 2013 at 15:03
Lol. Ja ja 😛
DarthofZA
June 19, 2013 at 14:59
I only just discovered offline mode this week. Whenever my internet was down, I would think its time to catch up on my old games… and then I couldn’t because I couldn’t go on to authenticate. Now I’m leaving my steam in offline mode so that everything works.
Argentil
June 19, 2013 at 15:01
Lol, maybe they should make it more obvious.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
June 19, 2013 at 15:03
I always exit in to offline mode whenever I am done just in case the next time I want to play my net is dead or whatever. I’ve had it before where I couldn’t go online to authenticate to exit in to offline too.
John Ambitious
June 19, 2013 at 15:30
Best is when you say “start game in offline mode” and then it says back at you…”this function is not available in offline mode”
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
June 19, 2013 at 14:36
Breath dude. Breath
Admiral Chief Groot Wors
June 19, 2013 at 14:36
*breathe
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
June 19, 2013 at 14:53
AG ja toe nou 😛
Lourens Jordaan
June 19, 2013 at 14:41
GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!
Admiral Chief Groot Wors
June 19, 2013 at 14:43
Really? Well if you want to come out who am I to argue. Congrats I suppose
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
June 19, 2013 at 14:55
Zing. ouch
Lourens Jordaan
June 19, 2013 at 15:06
I was asking for that I suppose. All I meant to do was point out the typo at the end.
Argentil
June 19, 2013 at 15:09
5/10, good effort. Has potential for improvement.
John Ambitious
June 19, 2013 at 15:28
Tally ho!
Argentil
June 19, 2013 at 14:41
Glad to see the anti-DRM message spread farther than the console field. You are most welcome PC gamers, I accept chocolates and Paypal contributions.
Admiral Chief Groot Wors
June 19, 2013 at 14:43
AMEN dude, MOAR games for all!
Theo Steenekamp
June 19, 2013 at 14:52
Hmmm… then I shared wrong…
Admiral Chief Groot Wors
June 19, 2013 at 15:00
“Hey dude, when am I getting my game back?”
becomes
“MY TURN TO PLAY!!! HAMMERTIME”
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
June 19, 2013 at 15:10
Hahahahaha
Xelus
June 19, 2013 at 17:13
Wheres meh drunk? I can’t shoot straight if I didn’t have a pint!
Zoe
June 19, 2013 at 15:14
would be so cool – could actually lend people don’t starve so that they get addicted! and then take it away, like crack!
Argentil
June 19, 2013 at 15:17
Dayum. That’s nasty.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
June 19, 2013 at 15:18
You are cruel. So very cruel
Skyblue
June 19, 2013 at 16:47
Fukken LOL!
Tateboetie Malaaitie
June 20, 2013 at 11:20
300megs of pure crack cocaine. When last has anyone had any game worth your time less than 4gigs?
Skyblue
June 19, 2013 at 16:53
Finally! (and hopefully)
Xelus
June 19, 2013 at 17:12
It feels as if steam is trying to copy M$ here, game sharing thing all of a sudden…… *walks out the door*