http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=202189- As Empire uses Steamworks yes you will need to have Steam in order to play Empire, there is no non-Steam version.
Why the hell was my post removed?EPIC!!!!
I'm waiting for WW2:Total War
I think a WW1 total war would be best tbh. because it would fit in very well combat-wise and it would be a great game to portray ww1.