[Blackdog_kt]

Originally Posted by Gimpymoo

You will need to use Steam, as a Steamworks title, Steam integration is within the game.

Hyperlobby support may well be possible post launch, but you will definitely still need to have Steam running REGARDLESS as it is part of the DRM.

The DVD will contain files which allready have Steam integrated into them so to speak.

I dont understand why soo many are soo opposed to running Steam yet will happily install hyperlobby? Crazy.

For those unfamliar with Steamworks titles, how it works is that the DVD will contain game files (.gcf files - http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/GCF) the Steam client and a Steam activated product key.

Steam will install and update as likely the client on the disc would well have been superceeded, then the files from the disc will be installed into the Steam folder.

You will need to create/sign into the Steam service and enter the product key which comes in the box.

This will permanently tie the game to your Steam account so it can be downloaded in the future as many times as you wish, without the need for disc or the product key.

By default, CoD will be installed to \Steam\Steamapps\CoD (I have made up the game folders name).

To backup the game, copy the "Cod" folder to your preferred backup device, job done.

If you format the computer, install Steam and restore the folder to its default location and Steam will upate as needed and the game will run.

No Steamworks title in my knowledge as ever had standalone "offline" patches released as they are all delivered through the Steam platform.

Well, it may work well for you but that's exactly the kind of thing i'm trying to avoid. For example, i prefer to have a backup copy of the game disc and keep the individual patches saved on my hard drive, rather than making a backup of the entire decompressed game folder for each patch version i might want to revert to

The reason i doubt it will be completely integrated is a few recent posts on the ubi forums. They said that the boxed versions don't require you to use Steam, other than if you want the matchmaker functions. Boxed editions won't use the steam DRM and steam is only there to give you a server browser.

Granted, this is Ubi and many things are still unclear, but if i don't need to register with Steam to activate my copy (which is the only thing that seems to be clear, that boxed editions don't use steam's DRM), there's no reason to hurry up and install the steam client: by the time my copy arrives and i finish mucking around in single player there will be alternative methods.