You'd know to check because you're a computer tech and must have at least been aware of Steam, Origin, GFWL, Rockstar Social and so on. Many games have third party applications - and if you're sensitive to them ("it makes me angry that I have to get a 3rd party software installed"), you'd know to check.

And, yes, "half the time" is hyperbole. I use Steam virtually every day with around a dozen games from my library of 101 Steam games installed and I don't get interrupted very often, so I know very well your one game isn't a problem.