I think it does require Steam to play if it is Steamworks - not just achievements.
It requires STEAM authentifcation - which makes STEAM what it is: a copyright scheme which finally makes software companies dream come true:
- no pre-owned market
- personalized advertising
- total control over software regions (US, EU, Asia etc.)
- perfect platform to enforce region specific censorship (Germany, Australia etc.)
- permanent monitoring of customers
Yes, "enlighted masses": make your own enslavement popular. I am a very decent guy, but I will call stupidity what it is when I see it.
I don't bullshit about Digital Distribution being evil. I just say that it is only in favour of the producers - not the customers. I don't talk about "brick & mortar" stores being a thing of the future (well, Gamestops are opening their gates in minor cities in germany by the dozen), but I want a physical copy that I can touch. I don't mind it coming by the postman - I just don't want to have it virtually.