I have always downloaded Valve games but I might be able to get a hard copy for cheaper than the price on Steam.

Does the hard copy require you have the disk inserted every time you play? What's the difference?

Just enter the serial on the manual in steam and install it from the disc.

Or just enter the serial and then throw the disc away. You won't need it anymore.

I believe you can download it from Steam even if you buy the retail copy. So as far as I know, there's no difference between the two.

Obviously the game will be tied to your Steam account if you enter the serial number in Steam. So keep in mind you can't resell the game.

I'd just go for whatever's cheaper.

Thanks guys! I'm gonna get the hard copy because it's £10 cheaper than buying it off Steam directly.