Valve's digital distribution platform has just taken another big step forward, with the announcement of the first game to incorporate Steam - other than a Valve / Source-based game, that is (as was the case with SiN Episodes). The title in question is RACE: The Official WTCC Game, developed by SimBin and lined up to start shipping on November 24. At that time, RACE will also be released online via Steam, as Valve informs us.

The main difference between SimBin's title and the other dozens of games released via Steam so far, is that all retail copies of RACE will include Steam functionality for auto-updating, matchmaking, and anti-piracy encryption. So whether you'll download it straight from Valve, or buy it from the store, it's still going to be there. Which is actually less dramatic than it sounds, if we're to think about all the multiplayer games based on GamesSpy Arcade technology...

"Delivering RACE via Steam means over 10 million gamers will have the chance to purchase the world's first ever World Touring Car Championship game directly from their PC", said Henrik Roos, CEO of SimBin. "Powering the retail version RACE with Steam means every player will have all the latest content available for the game and be able to enjoy the industry's most advanced set multiplayer services."

With over 60 different and accurately modeled cars and 10 officially licensed tracks from four continents, RACE promises to offer all the drivers, cars, and locations featured in 2006 WTCC championship season, as well as support for both single- and multiplayer games, against up to 26 real players or online AI opponents.

If you'd rather try RACE before you buy it, we have a 338 MB demo version available for download locally.

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)