Quote Originally Posted by Crandaeolon View Post
So what exactly is the beef here? The game is not a Steam exclusive, it just uses the Steamworks API (which is currently free, so Valve won't get a dime of your money if you buy retail.) It does require the Steam client to be active and connected to validate the install, but doesn't require an active connection to play, just like current Steam SP games.
I like steam with mp games, but when a massive strategy game like Civ comes out, I don't want to have to rely on my internet to play it. I know steam has offline mode, but sometimes it refuses to work for me.