Can Factorio Be Family Shared On Steam

Caroline Mae

less than a minute read

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27-12-2024

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The short answer is: no. Factorio does not support Steam Family Sharing.

This means that if you own Factorio on Steam, you cannot share your copy with other family members or friends on your Steam account. Each person who wants to play Factorio needs to purchase their own copy of the game.

This is a common limitation for many Steam games, and Factorio is no exception. The developers have not implemented Family Sharing functionality, likely due to the intricacies of managing multiplayer saves and potentially impacting the game's anti-cheat measures. While some games offer Family Sharing, it's not a universal feature.

Why Doesn't Factorio Support Family Sharing?

There isn't an official statement from the Factorio developers explicitly explaining the absence of Family Sharing. However, several potential reasons can be inferred:

• Multiplayer complexity: Factorio's multiplayer mode involves shared save files and potentially complex interactions between multiple players. Implementing Family Sharing could introduce significant technical challenges in managing these interactions and preventing potential conflicts or cheating.

• Licensing and DRM: The game's licensing agreements and digital rights management (DRM) might not be compatible with the mechanics of Steam Family Sharing. It's possible that the implementation would require significant modifications to the game's core structure.

• Developer preference: Ultimately, the decision rests with the Factorio developers. They may simply not prioritize implementing Family Sharing due to the aforementioned complexities or other internal considerations.

Alternatives for Family Play

While direct Family Sharing isn't an option, families can still enjoy Factorio together:

• Separate Purchases: The most straightforward approach is for each family member who wants to play to purchase their own copy of the game.

• Local Multiplayer: Factorio supports local multiplayer, allowing multiple players to play on the same computer. This is a good option if you have multiple computers or if family members want to play together on the same machine.

• Cooperative Play: Consider organizing a cooperative playthrough, where family members take turns playing on one computer or coordinate through online communication.

In conclusion, while it's unfortunate that Factorio doesn't support Steam Family Sharing, there are still ways to enjoy the game with family and friends. The best solution will depend on your specific circumstances and preferences.