"so recently an game became free for an short time on the steam store, some were beginning to think that free games do not add to your game count, and various other things
well i just tabbed over that little box and it gives some insight to things.
which is for an time game achivements will not add to global %
nor will it add to your game count, this seems to happen with most new releases.
it also wont showup in any showcases on your profile, so you cant add it as your fav game till steam decides to pass on it.

so if you grab an free game it will count towards your game counter, just not right away if its an fresh one

oh and another slice of information, it seems if you claim an free game directly on steam it will not give you any card drops, this means no future booster pack drops.
BUT! please note if the value of the game is 20$ and an full set of cards is maybe 50c you still win out
due to most booster drops not being often you get maybe one an year if lucky.
this doesnt mean you shouldent buy the game if thats an option though as supporting developers is always awesome
it just means weight your options if you must to save yourself money."