According to what I am seeing, they could cancel his account, but NOT his access to a game that he bought elsewhere.
This actually goes hand in hand with what I was saying in another thread, but that is for that other thread.
To point out the important parts, In case of a one time purchase of a product license (so far, ok) from Valve (but this was from GameStop!), Valve may...cancel...access to the software via Steam. Now, they cannot do this, because the purcahse was made elsewhere. They could cancel an account, but they cannot deny access to a game bought somewhere else.
You can see how silly it is to enforce this part of the EULA later, where they say they may (but don't have to) let you download the game...his game was on the disc already, so there would be no need for CiV to come though Steam.
They aren't denying access to a game. They are denying access to an account. It just so happens that 2k made the game require an account.
Breaking it down.
Steam can cancel your account at any time.(see my post above)
2k prevents you from playing your game without a steam account.
SO steam can not prevent you from playing your game.. however since a steam account is required, them blocking your account has an added affect of you no longer being able to play your game. Since you no longer meet the requirements set out by 2k
. Maintaining an active account is part of the EULA for the game
The Software may require an internet connection to access internet-based features, authenticate the Software, or perform other functions. In order for certain features of the Software to operate properly, you may be required to have and maintain (a) an adequate internet connection and/or (b) a valid and active account with an online service as set forth in the Software documentation, including but not limited to third-party gaming platform, Licensor or a Licensor affiliate. If you do not maintain such accounts, then certain features of the Software may not operate or may cease to function properly, either in whole or in part.
. So.. you no longer meet the terms by steam canceling your account. Meaning you no longer have access to the software.
This is why people should read and understand these things.. lol
Now i'm certainly not agreeing with the practice. But its legally sound, and a major reason I avoid steamworks games. It effectively turns any game into a subscription based model(similar to MMOs). Only the subscription is free, includes ALL your steamworks games, is controlled by valve and can be canceled at anytime. You still own your copy.. you simply cannot play it without an account.. similar to if you canceled your account or got banned etc from WOW or any other MMO.
PS One question: HOW do games get on steam? Does the publisher pay steam or does steam pay the publisher?
Many times the developer chooses to Use Steamworks API simply because it adds alot of functions and its free to them. The major catch is it links the game to steam. It saves them money and time from having to write their own functions,Drm, multiplayer connectivity, Achievements, leaderboards, etc. Not to mention they don't have to run their own servers for patches.
So no one really pays anyone.. but the value is for both. Devs/publishers get a large swath of prewritten functions and patch servers etc.. and steam gets a game that ties anyone who wants to play it to their service. Not to mention the game will be sold on steam. Meaning steam gets some retail profit from the game.
The only losers in the deal are potential customers who don't like steam(and other digital retailers who think its a sound business move to sell games that force their customers to make an account at a competing store). But with steams userbase I imagine most game devs have no issue ignoring those who refuse to assimilate to the steamworks model.(people like me)
@OP
Glad you got it cleared up, hope you don't run into any further issues.