Somebody Else: I bought my game at EB Games and it was on cds. Not sure where you got the DVD version.

What they forgot to tell you too is that Steam isn't the only copy-protection they have for the game. It also uses SecureRom2. If it detects any virtual-drive software installed on your machine it will require you to do one of three things (depending on what software you have):

1. Turn off the virtual-drive software before launching HL2. This is what I had to do and I have GameDrivePro installed.
2. Uninstall the virtual-drive software before you will be able to play.
3. Reformat your hard-drive to get rid of the registry entries for your Virtual-drive software.

I am curious as to what will happen if Steam goes under financially? Will nobody be able to play Valve's games then? Also, if you decide you do not like the game or get bored with it and want to sell it back to EB Games as a 'used" game, then the person who buys it won't be able to play it since Steam already has the Cd-Key registered for your PC and in your name/password. So, if you happen to see HL2 in your neighborhood "used" software bargain bin . . DO NOT BUY IT! You will not be able to play unless you happen to know the person who sold it back and have their username/password.