Interesting feature, but judging by the messages in the code, it seems that the shared game can only be in use by one account at a time, so that would already limit who can play the game and when:
""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.""

If this is put in place, then I do not see this happening, it would then need completely different exe's, too much hassle.

What happens now is that if you install a steam game on your system and it is not in your account, it will not show in your account and you get an error message if you start it (I know because me and my better half have different accounts with different games, we borrow each others laptops and swap around). I see this just an extension of the already existing system.

Also, not to mention that there is already something similar happening with the free weekend games they have now and then, I envisage this as an extension of the same. What would most likely happen is that a game gets locked on your account when your borrowing period is over.

Re cracked.... as people are not already pirating all the games anyway.... this would not increase or decrease. Pirates will pirate.

Interesting, I have little hope in it but thats better than no hope

Very interesting, thanks for the update.

This would be perfect for me, then I wouldn't have to buy mutliple copies for my son and I, but allow for each to have their own saves. I hope this is what they have in mind.

I don't want to comment on unreleased features. Of course I have no problem commenting about comments about unreleased features. :)

Anyway, I think that something like this is needed to make Steam viable in a console environment, so, assuming it's coming, I see it in a positive light.

Even if something does come of this, don't get your hopes up for several reasons:

I don't see how it could work with limited activation games or ones that have external accounts associated with them. Something like Anno 2070 would be a nightmare to "borrow".

I doubt multiplayer game publishers would be willing to give out temp keys for people to play their games for free. Having someone else play on your key opens up a lot of potential problems.

Publishers in general wouldn't be as willing to have games that get sold at big discounts be passed around and played by several people.

Im sure the usual Steam boi fans will be jumping for joy about this possibility