Half-Life 2 and Steam: Integration?

[muka3d]

Allright, I have a rather simple question, that I don't think has been asked before, but may prove difficult to answer.

I am planning to buy Half-Life 2 from the store, the boxed version (I preordered it last year). Now, I was wondering, when I install my Half-Life 2, will it integrate itself into Steam? So that I will be able to access it from within Steam, showing up as one of the games.
Also, will I be able to not even use the CD/DVD at all, just be able to type in my CD Key into Steam, and then download it off of the Steam network? Perhaps will it be possible to install HL2, integrating itself into Steam, and then linking the CD Key with my Steam account, so that I will not have to ever use the CD, if I don't want to.

Thank you in advance. I do apologize if this has been posted/asked/answered before, and please, instead of flaming me, simply post a link to the thread that cointains the answer.

 

[Mr-Fusion]

Now, I was wondering, when I install my Half-Life 2, will it integrate itself into Steam? So that I will be able to access it from within Steam, showing up as one of the games.

Yep.

Also, will I be able to not even use the CD/DVD at all, just be able to type in my CD Key into Steam, and then download it off of the Steam network?

Yep.

Perhaps will it be possible to install HL2, integrating itself into Steam, and then linking the CD Key with my Steam account, so that I will not have to ever use the CD, if I don't want to.

Yep. Once your cd-key is bound to your account you never need it again. Unless something really bizarre happens.

 

[Iced_Eagle]

I don't think it's been posted before.

Okay for the installer I'm guessing there is a CD Key box which you fill in. It then installs all the files (simulating the Steam download) and puts them in the appropriate directorty. Then on the next Stea load you can input your CD Key to use it online and such.

No matter what, it will get integrated into Steam as that is the only way to play online.

 

[muka3d]

Perfect answer, quick too. Thanks a lot guys.

 

[63]

To my current knowledge you can play HL2 without ever inserting a disc, the game will Preload, then you can unlock it with your CD key that you have purchased retail. You can install off the disc to aquire HL2 faster, but what you're essentially paying for is the CD key..

 

[muka3d]

Yea, I don't care much for installing off of CDs. For some reason, I just love the thought of typing in a code, and watching it download stuff off the internet. I love downloading things, it's just so entertaining to think that little electrical signals are flying thru this little yellow cable I have running in my house, and through countless other devices all around town... *foaming at the mouth*

I just like having the box and the CDs, just because . But in that case, I will never even open/use the CDs, I will only do the minimum to get my CD Key out of the box, while retaining the rest in perfect condition! *foaming increases*

 

[Skullhair]

I hate playing games where you have to have the CD in to play. UT2004 finally got smart and made it so you don't have to use a CD. I usually just download a nocd crack for the games I bought, just so I don't have to keep switching CD's.

 

[czrsink]

With CS:CZ you had to convert it to Steam after you'd installed it, I hope it's not the same for Half Life 2. Though from the answers above, I guess it's not.

 

[Varsity]

With CS:CZ you had to convert it to Steam after you'd installed it, I hope it's not the same for Half Life 2. Though from the answers above, I guess it's not.

That's Vivendi's area, and remeber that as publishers they hate Steam.

 

[hasan]

For some reason I prefer to buy the box because .. well I would feel that I actually bought something, you know .. something I can touch and feel.

Otherwise I would feel that it's just another thing I downloaded off the internet (you all know what I mean? )

It won't have this special value if I don't buy it in the box ..

However .. there is a but ..
If purchasing online was cheaper than buying the box .. I would go for the online option!!

 

[muka3d]

For some reason I prefer to buy the box because .. well I would feel that I actually bought something, you know .. something I can touch and feel.

Otherwise I would feel that it's just another thing I downloaded off the internet (you all know what I mean? )

It won't have this special value if I don't buy it in the box ..

However .. there is a but ..
If purchasing online was cheaper than buying the box .. I would go for the online option!!

Yep, if online is cheaper by, say, $15, I'm all over online buying of HL2!

 

[dart321]

Yep, if online is cheaper by, say, $15, I'm all over online buying of HL2!

Yeah but no box? No manual? And what if steams servers gets attacked by hackers and it has to go down for maintenance? Or worse peoples accounts could be erased. No, no! I can't take that chance (even though its highly improbable). Must have game available at all times! I must! Provided that if you buy the retail version you don't have to log into steam to play. Ah, god I hope not.

 

[manny_c44]

If the manual is a long manual with lots of back story and history, then it would be worth getting.

But otherwise I think giving more money straight to Valve is the best idea, and indicative of future changes in the industry, in my opinion.



It'd be cool if Valve sent every Steam Downloader a hard-back history/manual deal through the mail, so there would be a tangible aspect. But then your dealing with different sorts of publishers, so I guess its foolish.

 

[hasan]

hmm mail? I don't think I'd want steam to know where I live .. you know .. online privacy

 

[muka3d]

Yeah but no box? No manual? And what if steams servers gets attacked by hackers and it has to go down for maintenance? Or worse peoples accounts could be erased. No, no! I can't take that chance (even though its highly improbable). Must have game available at all times! I must! Provided that if you buy the retail version you don't have to log into steam to play. Ah, god I hope not.

All right fine! I agree. I am a sucker for boxes and manuals, even though I never read them. I just feel all fuzzy inside by having them.