Steam users can now play local multiplayer games online

Steam has launched a new feature enabling up to four users to play local multiplayer games together online as if they were playing in the same room.

Announced earlier this month and currently available in beta, Remote Play Together lets players invite friends to join thousands of supported local co-op, local multiplayer, and shared/split screen games online.

“Only the host needs to own and install the game, while additional players connect through Steam Remote Play streaming technology,” Valve says.

“Their controllers will act as if they’re plugged directly into your computer, and all your voice chat and game volume options are available in one place.”

Players can use their own controllers or share control of the host’s keyboard and mouse.

Valve is currently running an open beta for its new Steam library, which it says has been revamped to make it “better looking, more relevant, and more powerful”.

The new library home gives users quick access to game updates, recently played titles, friends activity and collections, among other features.

Valve launched the Steam Link app for iOS devices in May, a year after it arrived on Android. The app enables users to pair an MFI or Steam controller to an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Apple TV, connect to a host computer running Steam via a 5Ghz network or ethernet cable, and start playing Steam games on their chosen Apple device.