I wonder how much Steam will subtract from the HL2 experience. My guess: a lot.
Then again, it could be helpful too. I hear they're integrating bittorrent into the distribution mechanism -- that might help distribute the burden of distributing MODs (which are getting mighty big). A system to punish cheaters, integrated through steam, would also be great. Cheaters should be banned permanently, in my opinion.
Despite it's potential, I'm still predicting that Steam will be a bigger pain in the ass than it'll be worth. And I really don't like Valve's long-term strategy -- I hope D3 takes the MOD market (not going to happen, unfortunatly).
