Civilization V to use Steam/Steamworks

[drone]

For games that I really value -as Civ V will likely be, I usually get a box - I always want a hard copy backup just in case.

The hard copy will do you no good (legally), as the activation through Steam is still a necessity. Unless you want to risk the DMCA and follow Kekvit Irae's advice.

I think Martok's problem is that Steamworks is unsupported by Camels' OS.

I'm sure Valve is working to get over that hump.