I just read the Small Print, at the bottom of the full page ad, for "The Political Machine 2012". (The full page ad appears to be tantamount to a new home-page for this new game.)
To my surprise, I see where this Ad now says (in effect) that everyone will have to use Steam, to play the game. Is this accurate? I hope not. I placed my pre-order (a few weeks ago) via the Stardock Store site, so I assumed that the game would also be available as a down-load on the Stardock Store site. (Essentially, that is the way that I purchased, and have been playing Elemental: Fallen Enchantress.)
So, to repeat the question, will all purchasers of "The Political Machine 2012" have to use Steam? If your earlier advertisements for this game included the "Steam Warning", then I guess my purchase is a case of: Shame on me. But if your earlier Ad's did not include this statement, then I think we have a case of: Shame on you.
Admittedly, my Pre-Order Purchase is only costing me $6.95, so I won't bother asking for a refund in any event.
Would appreciate an answer to my question, though ... Thanks.