Some eager Steam pre-purchasers were surprised to find their digital copy of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 would not be unlocked through Valve’s online service until 2 days after the release of the retail version.

Many forum members are in an uproar over pre-ordering the title without being completely aware of the different release date that was clearly advertised.
"What the… 2 DAYS??? Why the heck did I buy through Steam for? I certainly didn’t know there was gonna be a 2 day delay for us steam purchasers," one forum member wrote.

The ire also stems from the fact customers who purchased a retail boxed copy of the PC game are not forced to wait, despite the title requiring Steam authentication. This has also led many to pursue canceling their online pre-orders.

"I pre-ordered the game, assuming that it would come out on the actual release date. Now I’m waiting for my ticket to be answered for my refund," another member wrote. "The funny part is they probably wont get back to me until after it is released on Steam:

If you pre-ordered Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 off Steam and are still hanging in there waiting, here’s the most updated release details from Steam:
Activision’s policy is for the digital download version of MW2 to be activated 48 hours after the retail release. Therefore copies bought on Steam will be activated as follows: Worldwide (except North, Central, and South America): 3:00 pm PST Nov 11 and North, Central and South America: 9:00 pm PST Nov 11.

Source: IGN