2 Accounts, One Computer, Same Games

[samiad]

Hi there,

Firstly, sorry if this is in the wrong place.

I would like to add another seperate Steam account on the same computer. Not to be used at the same time, just as a seperate usable account. I just wanted to ask a few questions before doing so.

1) Is it safe? I don't want to be slapped with a ban or something for using multiple accounts. I just want to make sure it's in accordance with Valve policy.

2) Will I be able to use the same account details i.e, payment info? Again I don't want a ban because the same card info shows up on two accounts.

3) I want to purchase some games that I already own. Will there be any kind of conflict between save files, DLC, achievements etc.? Will I need to re-install games again to another location or can I just launch the current installed version under either account?

I think that pretty much covers it although if there's anything else I should be aware of please let me know. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Black Blade]

1. you are allowed to own as much accounts as you like
2. same as 1

3. depends on the game some are not using Steam to know what account you are in, so will mess saves on saves

4. Why not use Family Sharing and not buy a second copy then?
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=183087266

[Spawn of Totoro]

"3" Will be the only issue as the files and saves are shared on the same system.

The rest you should be fine with.

Originally posted by Black Blade:

4. Why not use Family Sharing and not buy a second copy then?

Depends on the game. If it is an MMO, some people like to "multi-box" where they use more then on character at a time. This allows for soloing of more content and 2x the abilities.

Overall though, Family Share is the best option otherwise, though if he wants to play one game per an account, he would be restricted since only one account can use the library at the same time. Owning two copies would fix that.

[Black Blade]

Originally posted by Spawn of Totoro:

Overall though, Family Share is the best option otherwise, though if he wants to play one game per an account, he would be restricted since only one account can use the library at the same time. Owning two copies would fix that.

Originally posted by Samiad In The Mist:

I would like to add another seperate Steam account on the same computer. Not to be used at the same time, just as a seperate usable account. I just wanted to ask a few questions before doing so.

[Spawn of Totoro]

Thanks Black Blade. I did miss that part.

I was also going for more of a generalized reason as to "why" though, not a specific one.

[samiad]

Hi guys thanks for the responses and clearing up the first two questions. It will mainly used for games like CS GO, TF2, Left 4 Dead and possibly Dota 2, so single player type saves aren't an issue however in-game/online stats, achievements and inventory items would ideally be independant. Would that be possible with Family Sharing?

[Spawn of Totoro]

Originally posted by Samiad In The Mist:

Hi guys thanks for the responses and clearing up the first two questions. It will mainly used for games like CS GO, TF2, Left 4 Dead and possibly Dota 2, so single player type saves aren't an issue however in-game/online stats, achievements and inventory items would ideally be independant. Would that be possible with Family Sharing?

Yes for the achievements and in-line stats. TF2 and DOTA 2 are free to play, so you can add those to both accounts.

Not sure how items work with family sharing on a paid game like CS:GO. May want to ask in that game's forum.

L4D2 doesn't have in-game items, so you don't have anything to worry about there.

[samiad]

Well I think right now I'm leaning towards a separate account, as it appears that some games features need a full purchase for them to be played. However I'll do some more reading into family sharing before I decide. Thank you for the help guys.