Yes, I just tried disabling it with my firewall prior to posting. You only have to connect the first time right after the install in order to update the game and authenticate. The client also includes backup features and automatic patching, so it's actually a nifty app made with community support in mind despite criticism.
Anyway, nearly all the casual game market is based on similar distribution schemes nowadays.
Flameduck's reasoning is understandable, but by the day Valve goes bankrupt you'll probably have much more to worry about, or don't care about the games anyway. :)
I agree with that point though, expecially since corporatives rarely care about the userbase and usually just disappear or are swallowed by bigger ones.
Anyway, nearly all the casual game market is based on similar distribution schemes nowadays.
Flameduck's reasoning is understandable, but by the day Valve goes bankrupt you'll probably have much more to worry about, or don't care about the games anyway. :)
I agree with that point though, expecially since corporatives rarely care about the userbase and usually just disappear or are swallowed by bigger ones.