Portal Without Steam

[Slayn82]

Well, i've been running in one of my notebooks steam offline since last december. I simply put the steam client in offline mode, and made a backup in an external HD. Then copied the contents of the HD to the other notebook.

So, as long as you don't add a new game to that library, you can play it in that machine in offline mode technically forever. In this case, you simply will be unable to play portal 2 co-op mode, unless you are playing locally, if that mode is supported.

[Forbiddenwar]

I think one way to clarify this topic is to ask, what is your specific issue with Steam? Is it the fact, you don't 'own' the games, is it the fact it's DRM, is it how it uses resources, or is it online capability? Or something else?

Somethings we can help you with, somethings you can't. For example, on PC it is impossible to "own" any game, and has been that way for at least 10 years. We can't help you with that. But we can help you play Steam games without a reliable internet connection, or launching via a shortcut that skips the Steam Store front.

[Eloel]

I think one way to clarify this topic is to ask, what is your specific issue with Steam? Is it the fact, you don't 'own' the games, is it the fact it's DRM, is it how it uses resources, or is it online capability? Or something else?

Somethings we can help you with, somethings you can't. For example, on PC it is impossible to "own" any game, and has been that way for at least 10 years. We can't help you with that. But we can help you play Steam games without a reliable internet connection, or launching via a shortcut that skips the Steam Store front.

He said it a couple times, he doesn't have access to internet. Period. Not "reliable", not something else, he can't connect desktop to internet. I don't think there's a solution around that, that doesn't involve illegal activity.

[Gnoman]

I think one way to clarify this topic is to ask, what is your specific issue with Steam? Is it the fact, you don't 'own' the games, is it the fact it's DRM, is it how it uses resources, or is it online capability? Or something else?

Somethings we can help you with, somethings you can't. For example, on PC it is impossible to "own" any game, and has been that way for at least 10 years. We can't help you with that. But we can help you play Steam games without a reliable internet connection, or launching via a shortcut that skips the Steam Store front.

Technically, you've *never* owned PC games, or even console games. The license concept has been around from the very beginning.

Possible solution for the OP:

Many electronics stores sell pre-paid USB internet cards. Utterly impractical for browsing, but if you simply need to activate Orange Box or something, they work well enough.

[Domochevsky]

Technically, you've *never* owned PC games, or even console games. The license concept has been around from the very beginning.
...

Technically so have EULAs. You know how often you read those. >_>
(A matter of principle, i'd call this. Having to ask someone on the other end of the internet with a pretty please to be allowed to play your game... not acceptable.)

[ObadiahtheSlim]

I've played a little bit of Portal at my friend's house, and I was hoping to buy the game, but I loathe steam. Is there any way for me to get a copy of Portal that requires no Steam account to install or play?

Yes. Acquire a Xbox 360 or PS3 copy of the Orange Box. You can also get the Xbox exclusive, Portal: Still Alive, that includes the original game plus bonus content. Otherwise, you cannot without violating the DMCA and the rules of this forum.