Stealing this from Nzyme32's post in the Steam thread:
Steam update link
So basically, it's a direct correlation between owning an old version. There was some confusionm about what you needed in order to get the free upgrades especially with Minerva's Den, so it looks like it's just a 1:1 deal. Additionally the old versions are not being replaced.
Furthermore if you had physical copies there are also methods to get those redeemed on steam by contacting 2k's support, which is a nice touch if you haven't managed to snag them when they've been cheap the dozen times they have been.
What they appear to want if you have a physical copy:
Steam update link
I own BioShock on PC. How do I get the remastered version?
BIOSHOCK ON STEAM: If you already own BioShock, BioShock 2, or Minerva’s Den on Steam, the remastered version for the corresponding title will automatically show up in your Steam library as a separate game. You can expect to see the remastered titles begin rolling out in Steam libraries starting at 3pm PT on September 15, 2016 (find out what time that is in your timezone[www.thetimezoneconverter.com]). Once it shows up, you can choose to install the original version or the remastered version.
BIOSHOCK NOT ON STEAM: If you have a physical copy of BioShock or BioShock 2 on PC, or a Games for Windows Live digital copy, it may take some additional steps to get the remastered version.
The original BioShock is 9 years old. NINE. That is ancient in computer years. This also means most physical copies didn’t come with a CD key. To get BioShock remastered on Steam, you must provide your Steam profile information AND proof of purchase of the original PC game to 2K Support[support.2k.com]. Find out what else you need to submit a ticket here[support.2k.com].
For BioShock 2, find the Games for Windows Live key that was with your digital or physical copy. Activate this key through Steam. Information and step-by-step instructions can be found at this link[support.2k.com].
Once you have BioShock or BioShock 2 on Steam, you are all set for the upgrade starting at 3pm PT on 9/15/16. Want to know if your PC can handle the new remasters? Below are the minimum and recommended system specs for the remastered versions included in BioShock: The Collection.
Minimum Specs:
OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 64-bit. Platform Update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
Processor: Intel E6750 Core 2 Duo 2.66 GHz / AMD Athlon X2 2.7 GHZ
Memory: 4 GB
Hard Drive: BioShock 25GB; BioShock 2 25GB; BioShock Infinite 20GB; Total for all three games 70GB
Video Card: DirectX11 Compatible, AMD Radeon HD 7770 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560
Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Device
Other Requirements: Software installations required including DirectX and Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 & 2012 Redistributable Package.
Recommended Specs:
OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 64-bit. Platform Update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
Processor: 3GHz Quad-Core
Memory: 8 GB
Hard Drive: BioShock 25GB; BioShock 2 25GB; BioShock Infinite 30GB; Total for all three games 80GB
Video Card: 2GB ATI Radeon HD 7970, 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 or better
Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Device
So basically, it's a direct correlation between owning an old version. There was some confusionm about what you needed in order to get the free upgrades especially with Minerva's Den, so it looks like it's just a 1:1 deal. Additionally the old versions are not being replaced.
Furthermore if you had physical copies there are also methods to get those redeemed on steam by contacting 2k's support, which is a nice touch if you haven't managed to snag them when they've been cheap the dozen times they have been.
What they appear to want if you have a physical copy:
Thank you for contacting 2K Support,
We understand that you would like to migrate your retail copy of BioShock to Steam. In order to be able to be able to assist you, we would need to receive a picture that is showing all of the following :
The Game CD case(s)
The Game CD (If there are multiple, please include each one)
A piece of paper with your steam email address and your ticket number (#) clearly written on it
We will review your request and establish eligibility based on your submission. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
If ever there is anything else related to our 2K titles, please do not hesitate to contact us again!
Best regards,