However, unlike the other earlier released games, most early nabbers of Half-Life 2 won't be blasting any headcrabs until its official release date. That's because, as was confirmed to GameSpot last month, purchasers of the game will have to go online and register the game with Steam, Valve's online download service (from which Half-Life 2 can also be purchased).

"For security/antipiracy, each copy must be authenticated via Steam during installation," Valve's Doug Lombardi told GameSpot. "After this one-time (per install) authentication is complete, an Internet connection is not required for single-player and LAN games."