So do you need a Steam account if you buy the boxed version?

If I were you, keep the original box and the codes that come with it as you will be required to submit a scanned copy of the original CD-key in case you're trying to deal with a problem with your account.

Also, I would recommend that you link your account to an email that you can create for free [ie: hotmail, gmail, yahoo, etc.] and can access anywhere. I made the mistake of linking my account to an email that was based on an internet service like Cebridge. When I canceled my subcription to Cebridge, I realized that I forgot to update my old email. And to make matters worse, I forgot the password. Thankfully, I had the original box with the CD-key for Half-Life 2 printed on it. When I submitted that, the admin was kind enough to update the email for me so that I can reset my password and then access my one-and-a-half-year-old account.

In addition, I would recommend that you keep the receipt of the boxed product. This is so that the admins can reset the CD-key should Steam's server tell you that the CD-key has already been activated. Note: Make sure your receipt is less than 90 days old if you ever encounter this problem. Otherwise, it's no good.

your an idiot mate, hacking of any kind is stupid and idiotic!

Mazza wrote on Jul 18^th, 2008 at 9:59am:


harumph!

yeah, the writing part is fun. I don't know about CS as i don't have it yet but in CoD 4 it's possible to code both the silenced m-21 into the game and make all skins the ghillie suit. but that would be cheating!