Alright, I picked up the $20 game coupon for $10 bucks (for D2D) over at weshop.com. I am getting ready to make a purchase with that but was curious about a couple specific things.

1. Does D2D's version of Magicka require Steam?
2. Does D2D's version of Magicka's DLC activate with Steam?
3. Does D2D's version of Fallout: New Vegas Dead Money DLC activate with Steam?

I know both games use Steam works, but I am not sure how they work in purchasing them from Direct2Drive. If someone could explain, or just tell me what D2D actually gives you when you purchase the above titles in my list (whether it is a DL link to the content or a key to plug into Steam), that would be greatly appreciated.

This probably won't be too helpful but I haven't purchased anything from another digi distrib that will activate with Steam.

That is to say that the digi version of the game won't activate. I'm pretty sure if I would've bought the hard copy from a retailer those games would've but for competition reasons each digi dealer seems to make their version of the game dependent on them for extra content.

As for all other purchasing on D2D, D2D isn't very intrusive and DRM is dependent on the game itself.

For instance I got A Farewell to Dragons from D2D and it was so free of DRM that It was like an ISO that I was able to burn to disc and use it like a retail disc.

From my own past experiences all you will need to do is take the Activation Code (D2D give Activation Code, or at least i have them for the few games ive bought from them) they give you and just open up your Steam client and try it out. If it works your in business, if not then, well it wont work. Ive tested nearly all my games out like that and have had mixed results with them. I have complete Dawn of War collection and when i tried activating the games on Steam only Soulstorm worked.

So more honestly i really have no clue, just posting my experience. Also should be noted that my copy of Torchlight that i bought from Runic themselves activated on Steam to my surprise, was quite happy about that.

I'm unsure about Magika but Fallout: New Vegas uses Steamworks so you have to use Steam. D2D will send you CD Key and you activate it on Steam.

Alright, thanks. I knew New Vegas used SteamWorks, but I didn't know if they gave you a Key for the DLC or did something else.

I purchased Magicka at GamersGate. It requires Steam, so they gave me an activation key. I have no reason not to believe D2D won't do the same.

If it states "3rd party download required" or words to that effect on the store page, then you must attach it to Steam.

Alright, that makes alot more sense, but I know their are other '3rd party drm' so I wasn't 100% sure. I know they don't want to advertise their competitors, but it would be nice to know exactly what that drm is, as it would clear up alot of this confusion

Cool. Thanks for the info. Wasn't sure what that meant previously. Some games I would rather have on Steam for DLCs and updates.

If you bought DLC for Magica along with Magica itself, you shall have got a second code for the DLC.

When I bought the Game on GG, I got 2 products in the cart (Main Game and DLC), both with a unique code.

I waited on the DLC for Magicka, sorry for the lack of clarification.