What does "free" on Steam mean?

[guyducati]

I know what free means.

I'm just wondering, when Steam says Portal is free until May 24, does that mean, its free for download until May 24, or you can only play it for free until May 24? Will Portal just stop being free May 24?

Thanks

 

[VPrime]

I know what free means.

I'm just wondering, when Steam says Portal is free until May 24, does that mean, its free for download until May 24, or you can only play it for free until May 24? Will Portal just stop being free May 24?

Thanks

It means Free to own. After may 24 you still own it and can play.
Steam often has "Free weekends" which are different. These only allow you to play for the short time. They are specific when it means short time playable only (they even include times)

 

[SilentPanda]

I know what free means.

I'm just wondering, when Steam says Portal is free until May 24, does that mean, its free for download until May 24, or you can only play it for free until May 24? Will Portal just stop being free May 24?

Thanks

It is free through May 24th. After that time if you haven't gotten it for free, you'll have to purchase it.

Until May 24th, it is free to own. If you get it free to own, you keep it afterwards also. It will keep working after May 24th.

 

[guyducati]

Ok, thanks. Ya I was confused with the "free weekends," that's all.

Now, I want to play Portal, but it just wont download...