ya, updates are forced. But I have yet to run into a problem with it.
You can run the client when you are offline.
The mmo/social network thing is entirely optional (don't enter anyones name as a friend and you don't get bothered by who is playing what)
As for the marketing aspect, the worst part is maybe once every week or two I get a window that pops up when I start up steam pimping the newest sales/upcoming releases. 1 click to close.
I don't view these downsides as anywhere near bad enough to offset the benefits (great games for cheap, no disks to scratch/lose, saved games across computers, etc)
you don't even need to associate any personal info with your account if you never plan on buying anything (well aside from an email address).
-Terry
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"so listen up boy, or pornography starring your mother will be the second worst thing to happen to you today"
TF2: Spy
You can run the client when you are offline.
The mmo/social network thing is entirely optional (don't enter anyones name as a friend and you don't get bothered by who is playing what)
As for the marketing aspect, the worst part is maybe once every week or two I get a window that pops up when I start up steam pimping the newest sales/upcoming releases. 1 click to close.
I don't view these downsides as anywhere near bad enough to offset the benefits (great games for cheap, no disks to scratch/lose, saved games across computers, etc)
you don't even need to associate any personal info with your account if you never plan on buying anything (well aside from an email address).
-Terry
-----
"so listen up boy, or pornography starring your mother will be the second worst thing to happen to you today"
TF2: Spy