Half-Life 2 has gone gold!

[Zippyy]

If CD-Keys can be generated, what's so different about "Authentication keys", I wonder, hrm?

Well, CD keys are based on parameters that the key must follow, whereas authentication keys are in a database of pregenerated random keys. This means no algorithms. When you enter your authentication key into Steam, it checks it against the database to see if it's a valid key. This means no keygens.

Above paragraph is totally speculation. I have no evidence except the assumption that Valve is not retarded. :)

Of course, there will be cracked versions of HL2, but with no multiplayer component. Then, cracked servers will appear. Still, the game does go a long way towards preventing piracy.

I don't really understand your aversion to online distribution, or why you would refuse to play a fantastic game just because it requires a net connection during installation. To each his own :)