I am not talking about multiplayer servers for the Steam case.
Steam is hostile to my privacy and is intrusive since I can't get rid of it to play the game it is shipped with.
The only benefit for Steam is cutting costs for the publisher which basically just incorporate Steam application in their own and put it to download on their servers.
The counterpart is selling away customers privacy, but they seem not to care about that, there do not realize there is income impact for them (since talking companies about anything else than money seems to be useless).
For 30€ (nor much more than 20€), small companies still sell clean games pressed on DVD.
For the last time, I don't understand we (customers) are being forced into tie-in sale. I'd rather be paid to install Steam out of my own will.
Like people have said already, Steam's data tracking software is opt-in only, and Steam doesn't take your personal information without your knowledge. Since you are quite aware of the fact that Steam has these options, it cannot be called malware, as malware does this very thing, but
without your knowledge. That is the difference. This isn't a false dilemma, this is simply you being paranoid about installing any external software onto your computer not associated with the game. The game can be played offline, and you don't have to interact with the outside world when playing, EVER. That's your choice. It's also your choice if the prospect of merely using steam scares you that much, then you have the right to NOT buy this game.
And also, if you haven't noticed, Colossal Order is a small developing company, with only 10 employees which provide us with the games we love to play. So your argument is made invalid by this, as you seem to think that this game is being developed by a conglomerate like EA. Steam is not malware, it is a data distribution software meant to help developers market their product. If Steam were to not exist ten years from now, you could still play the game online. The servers will most likely be run by Paradox, not Valve or any Steam affiliate, so you shouldn't worry about them pulling the plug either.
Case said, your "argument", more correctly described as your whiny complaint, is completely unjust.
