Update: Valve let us know that Steam now takes care of this issue: "Owners of the retail version of NBA 2K9 for the PC may now install their games without the CD key, provided the disc is in the drive. And those considering a purchase of NBA 2K9 may do so without concern of installation issues related to the lack of a CD key."

Original Story: According to a seven page thread on the 2K Sports forums, the company forgot something important when it shipped the PC version of NBA 2K9 (also, PS3, X360) to stores: there is no CD key to be found anywhere in the box. "I just located 2k9 for the PC and when i got it, it does not include a cd key but says it needs one to install...what do i do?" asks the starter of the thread, with other posters confirming a similiar situation no matter what store the game was obtained from.

2K Sports has acknowledged the issue, noting that the company is "working hard on a solution." That solution should be posted on this page later today.

Thanks to Tom Tran for the tip.

Visual Concept's NBA 2K series will make its PC debut on October 21 with NBA 2K9, publisher and studio owner 2K Sports announced today.

"The PC version will please even the most dedicated basketball fans with the same level of quality simulation we've become known for in the console versions of the NBA 2K franchise," promised 2K sports development VP Greg Thomas.

2K Sports' expansion into the PC market follows rival EA's decision to not release PC editions of its major franchises this year, though PC releases will return next year.

As with the latest entry EA's NBA Live series, the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 editions of NBA 2K9 arrive in stores today.