This is only partially true. Steam has an offline mode (you should activate it at least once), which works fine. I usually play on long train rides, so it is a feature I use rather often. Most of my single-player games work without internet, if not, they usually have third-party protection like securom (pro tip: don't buy them).
If Steam crashes, SteamWork doesn't work (Cloudsync, Matchmaking, etc.), but thats like any other master server crash. Also, SteamWork syncing is true syncing, so you have all your game data on your device and accessible. Its not like Game for Windows Live where you have to be logged in to even access the save games on your computer.
Say anything about Steam, but they are pretty far ahead in the 'user-friendliness' department.
Except the offline mode in Steam is very finicky about when it works and when it doesn't, even IF you go through all the hoops and backdoors.
Otherwise, I've got nothing but good things to say about Steam (despite the fact that I still hold a special place in my heart where I HATE Steam for replacing WON)
Yeah, but that's a specific edge case. Half-Life was written years before Steam was probably even conceived. WON was built-in from the start, while ValveGUI/Steam was retrofitted into an existing architecture.
I never used WON. The thing is I like Stardock's Impulse. All the benefits none of the crap.
The problem with impulse is that steam has the nice steam APIs for matchmaking and such that require steam. Can't use it if you sell on another store. Its the vendor-lock-in. I bought a game only later to realize I can't play with anyone I know (steam vs impulse online) and thus... well... can't win vs that.
