I'm getting bogged down with where we're discussing this, here or via email, but I'll sum up what I wrote over there:
Are there no avenues to buy games *in a box* anymore? This may sound like a stupid question but I have not lived stateside in many years, so I'm probably WAY behind the curve.
Here in Asia it is common to buy the game in a box, which contains a validation card number you enter when you download from Steam, etc.
The numbered card is a bearer instrument, but once the number is used, it cannot be used again by another user. The game download is attached to your account.
If that isn't possible, is there not a way to buy a game for a friend through one of the services? Like say, if it's your birthday, and I want to buy a game for you, can't I pay for it, specify that it is for a friend, and then YOU do the download? Kind of like a *gift certificate*?
If there isn't a way to do this, I'd think that Steam would be leaving a LOT of money on the table.