All 100+ games I've got on steam REQUIRE the client to be loaded in order to play the game (and that includes old ones like UFO: Enemy Unknown and X-Com: Terror From The Deep).
So I don't believe it is possible to have a game sold on Steam that doesn't require the client. Also, not running the client disables cloud saving and achievements (unless the achievements are actually IN the game, Dragon Age: Origins being one such example).
Of the 500+ games I own on Steam 20+ are of the discussed "DRM-free" List mentioned by Infinitron:
But installing a game isn't playing it. It's just a one-time technical procedure.
vv221 is right that the Games are not DRM-free by definition, but they work accordingly. E.g. you download + install the game through steam and then copy the game folder to another PC/ Laptop and the game will work, which is just what Infinitron said.
You need connection to your steam account to use steam's cloud saving and achivements as they are saved on steam's servers.
This type of "DRM" also does not limit Steam achievements, etc. One example is "Risk of Rain" which I own and play on a Laptop where I can't (read: am not allowed) to install Steam. Every time "Risk of Rain" gets an update I copy the game-folder to my laptop to play it "on the move". If I'm at home I play it on my main machine and get the corresponding achievements inside Steam. of course Steam won't recognise any achievements I got on the Laptop, because it was not running there when I played. I can copy the savegames/ ingame unlockes though without any problems.
tl;dr:
Steam has "DRM-free" games as in "portable game-folders"
"DRM-free" Steam games still support achievements/ trading cards, etc. when played through Steam
not everbody hates Steam DRMbut sometimes you just cannot install Steam on a specific System (Work-Laptop, etc.)
I very much like to play games when I'm on the move due to work
-> "DRM-free" Steam games are a blessing
I'm asking myself why not every Kickstarter or similar backed game can handle the DRM topic just like "Shadowrun:Returns". As a backer you got:
Steam Key (Basic + Directors Cut)
GoG Key (Basic + Directors Cut)
DRM-free download from "Shadowrun Returns" homepage
"DRM-free" Steam folder
This solves almost every problem anyone could have and I think it's a great move appreciating your loyal backers.
For the record: The only thing I didn't like with SR was that no backer got any key for the Android version. The only reason this is acceptable is because the Android version was never mention during the Kickstarter campaign and it is a lot of extra development that was not financed by the backers. Would have been great to at least get a voucher though
