That's true if they use Steam as a distribution platform only (like Arcen does). It's NOT true if they use Steamworks for achievements/cloud saves/multiplayer. You can't make a non-Steam version without ripping out Steamworks, and if Steamworks is providing those things then you need another solution or to disable them entirely.

 

I have no interest in cloud saves.... or cloud anything for that matter.  Achievements have been and always will be a joke. If they find it necessary, have it unlocked clientside.  If you need to show others on steam that you have an "achievement" to feel good about yourself, I feel sorry for you.  "Multiplayer"?  Huh?  The first game's multiplayer worked fine without steam.  AI war and 100s of other games work fine without it.  

It should be very easy to keep steam separate.  Cloud/achievements should be optional anyway, and multiplayer should never have been linked to Steam.  Outrageous and lazy imo.

As I said, I'll buy it for $2.50 in a year or so.  I'll spend my money continuing to support DRM free like Legend of Grimrock, Valley Without Wind, AI war, and others.

Stardock has just become another sellout company.  I expect it to be bought out by a bigger company and have its soul completely removed(whatever little is left of it).

Enjoy Elemental and Steam I guess... I will have no part in it.  Way to spit in the face of your fans Stardock.

I'm actually ok with MP and achievements as optional accessories. MP is kinda optional if you don't have a net connection anyway and I don't always have one.