iirc Steamworks is... more developer based than player based. I don't exactly know how to describe it. In any case, it sounds like you'll have Steam capabilities on PS3 which is like chatting with friends in-game etc etc can't you do that without steam on PS3?

I personally love Valve because they really listen to the fans' feedback and they give us lots of neat updates to keep the games interesting (unfortunately this only applies to computer gamers, sorry console peeps :C) in addition to creating amazing games in the first place. They're just so creative!! Portal especially

On the other end of the spectrum with Valve is "Valvetime" and the fact that they also love trolling us fans. :| If Valve says something will come out tomorrow, expect it in a month. If Valve says something will come out in a year, expect it in two-three years. Etc etc etc I am waiting on HL2 ep 3 c'mon Valve ;n; But as far as trolling goes we all troll Gabe right back. :V It's all good fun.

I-in conclusion, I would definately recommend Portal or any other Valve game (I think the Orange Box was released for PS3? Though a quick scan of reviews says it does fall short of the PC/Xbox versions). Developer aside, the games are very engaging, creative, thoughtful, and Portal especially has a lot of humorous moments. Good games, good games, I could rant forever about all of them ;v;