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.
Some people don't like the idea of paying full price to rent games. I am one of them, Martok appears to be another. And Valve does get money from retail sales, the Steam DRM is licensed to the the publisher, so they get a cut from the sale.

The "Digital Deluxe" crap is another issue altogether.