Q regarding STEAM version

a question for someone who has the STEAM version:
Do you have to run steam to play it or can you run the game independently from the desktop?

Let's assume there aren't enough Steam threads to post this question in.

Of course you have to run Steam, that's the entire point. A desktop icon will simply launch the game from Steam.

If you're concerned about having to be online, you can set Steam to offline mode and not use any updates.

Thank you for your reply (disregarding the brash part of course, you wouldn't be Benji without one of those... )

I have no problem with the online part, just don't like being forced to run steam every time I want to play.

Then order/buy the DVD retail version, otherwise you'll need a client of some sort.

Some of us run Steam pretty much 24/7 anyway and wanted to put all the 2K games on one superior service.

Yes, I added that just for the delicious acknowledgement you made.

Yeah I've got a friend who is a SteamHead, for him this is really convenient.
I don't really care for that.
And there is actually an alternative to running a client:
*Last year I got it of GamersGate - no client
*This year - http://uk.gamesplanet.com/buy-download- ... 92-34.html

Saves me from waiting an extra week and shelling out an extra 20$ for the retail version (It costs 45$ - 60$ here...)