Steam launches in-game Prima strategy guides

You're likely accustomed to hearing a certain pitch when purchasing a game at GameStop. It goes like this: "Would you like to buy the strategy guide for this too?" And, of course, you have your canned response. Something like, "The answer is still no -- just like last week and the week before that, and every other time I've been in this stinking store, Mike." Or perhaps just, "No, thank you."

Now, thanks to the wonders of the internet, you can play out this same dramatic non-transaction online. Valve has announced that digital versions of Prima strategy guides are now being sold through Steam. Readable inside or outside of the games, the guides include the expected tips and tricks. Unlike their printed counterparts, they also include videos.

To celebrate the launch of Prima guides on Steam, the first set -- including Splinter Cell Coviction, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Left 4 Dead 2, Just Cause 2, Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age: Awakening -- can be purchased for $10 per guide, 50 percent off the normal $20 price.

In other news, we'd like to announce the continued existence of one digital strategy guide search engine. This innovative service lets users search for almost any game ever created and includes guides, videos and even historical information. The best part: It's absolutely free. Just follow this link and start searching!