Games for Windows Live is annoying, but Steam has actually become a worthwhile service. Sure, Valve would need to devote more specific time to making the system perfect, but I'd welcome the change. Some, like Randy Pitchford of Gearbox, question the wisdom of Valve running everything... that it would be a major conflict of interest. Is Microsoft really a who you'd prefer controlling this kind of thing? They're busy enough charging for DLC on Live and running GFWL into the ground.

Valve really had the idea right. If there's to be any reasonable grounds for DRM, combine it with a service that enriches the PC gaming experience. Steam was a pain back when it was mandatory in '03, but it's hardly a blip on today's modern gaming rigs. I complained like most other games did back then, but we've since seen the awful alternatives. Steam gives me access to game downloads, a friends list, news, patches and achievements.

Metro 2033 is announced to be using Steamworks on the PC as well. Heck, MW2 did it too... if only they hadn't gimped that version by excluding dedicated servers.

I realize a big issue is that each publisher wants its own solution to be THE solution, but it's simply not practical. Meanwhile, PC gamers get frustrated, sales go down, and piracy is the scapegoat for giving us the cold shoulder on releases. (I'm glaring at YOU, Remedy...)