I have been a PC gamer for about 13 years, now things used to be simple, even when running on a 'ISDN" line, in the old days when it came to buying a disc and playing a game - wow the good old days.

During that time I have seen the protection of games become more sophisticated while retaining the balance and trust in those who spend serious money investing in the game when we take the risk of either buying a great game, or one that is a pile of turd.

Unfortunately, after playing Fallout 3 and becoming utterly impressed with a game that enabled me to play in an environment that was so rich and diverse (I did not miss a decant online multiplayer solution), that I went and bought the new Fallout.

Having purchased Fallout New Vegas I was looking forward to cracking the seal on the PC retail box and installing the game - my PC specifications are all up to scratch and the disc goes in, but wait, what is this - STEAM!! Something I have avoided for over a decade has become an intrusive part of a potential good game. I say potentially because the STEAM engine has so far wasted 5 hours of my life, that I will never get back, trying to "updating Steam Platform". Looking at the Box in more detail and my trust of this game provider has now been lost - "Requires Internet connection and Free Steam account to Activate".

Unfortunately I usually trust that game providers put the STEAM logo on the box - easy to recognise and avoid.

In the old days you bought a disc, installed it, put in the CD Code and enjoyed it, then came online verification that is again, fine - but STEAM is a step to far.

Why did you decide to work with the only company that most gamers know was named "STEAM" after the marketing guru stepped in a big dog turd and his colleague said "did you not see the STEAM?"

Please, in future, if you can trust gamers, we will trust you: Be upfront an honest when working with partners that require PC owners to interact with a 3rd party provider and download their software.