Digital distribution: Keep the money and run? is a new Hollywood Reporter article, talking to Valve's Doug Lombardi and Erik Johnson, and Scott Miller of 3D Realms among others about online distribution of games. The article touches on additional profits for developers, resistance from retailers, and publisher support.

Valve has since split with Vivendi in a highly publicized trademark infringement lawsuit. But, prior to the settlement, Vivendi announced in January -- two months after the game's release -- that it had sold 1.7 million units of "Half-Life 2" in stores. Valve won't talk about how many units it's sold through Steam, but Lombardi describes the venture as being "extremely successful. Even though the lion's share of our sales is still at retail, the digital units are wildly more profitable for us."