KEY POINTS

  • Remote Play Together lets players join a host's local multiplayer game for free
  • Players will be able to join so long as they have a Steam client on their device
  • Steam will be hosting a sale and a streaming event on Thursday

Valve has recently launched a new feature for Steam that allows players to play local multiplayer games remotely with just the click of a link. This new addition allows anyone to play local multiplayer games online so long as conditions are met.

Steam’s Remote Play feature now allows players to invite others to their game by sharing a URL. Players who have the link can join in on the fun regardless of whether or not they own the game in question. Not even a Steam account is required; all would-be players need is access to the Steam client itself for Linux, MacOS or Windows.

The feature also allows players to join via mobile phones with the Steam Link app installed.

The entirety of the game will be played through the internet. No installation is required from invitees. Simply click on the invite link, and it will be like playing a game on the couch with a couple of friends.

Steam's Remote Play Together feature allows players to play local co-op games remotely for free
Steam's Remote Play Together feature allows players to play local co-op games remotely for free. Steam

The new URL sharing feature makes Steam’s Remote Play much easier to use. Remote Play was first launched in 2019 with the express purpose of recreating the couch-gaming experience through remote means.

This new invite feature is very easy to use: boot up a supported game at Steam, right-click someone on the Friends’ List, then click on the “Remote Play Together” button. This will send a URL to that friend that will immediately let them join games from their device.

Remote Play essentially enables cross-platform play between PC operating systems and mobile phones, and it allows games with no innate online multiplayer support to be played through the internet. However, a good internet connection is highly recommended to avoid any issues with lag and gameplay disruptions.

It’s also recommended that the host have a strong-enough PC that can handle smooth streaming.

To celebrate this update, Steam is hosting a streaming event and a big sale on Thursday for games with local multiplayer support. Players will be able to join games that are in-progress during the event through links that will be provided via YouTube, Steam and Twitch chat channels.

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