I want to buy Skyrim but from what I understand, you must register it online through something called Steam (whatever the heck that is). I want to install and play the game on a computer that is NOT CONNECTED to the internet. It is a computer that I use specifically for playing games and working on my photography. I do not have it connected to the internet and I have no plans to ever do so. So how can I play Skyrim on that machine?

yeah, as far as i know you don't need steam. put it in and try it.

Yes, you need Steam. You need to connect to the Steam service once. If you're not willing to connect to the Internet on that computer, you are unable to play Skyrim. Simple as that, really.

Your computer has to be connected to the internet at least once, to validate your game. You can play offline after that.

You can play in offline mode. But you must have Steam to initially install the game. Plus, the patches download through Steam

For the PC you need Steam. You will need to be connected to the Internet for instalaiton and instlaling patches. Then if you are lucky you should be able to play in "offline" mode if you set it up for that.

Unless you use backwards compatibility and modding, you have to use Steam to validate Skyrim at least once and download patches if you want them.

I'd be careful in explaining alternate ways to play, in lieu of activating with Steam.

Answer is YES YOU NEED STEAM and NEED TO BE CONECTED TO THE INTERNET AT LEAST ONCE.

Not yelling problems with computer, so wanting to be clear you need steam and need to be conected to the interent for instalation.

Guess I'm not playing the game then.

Thanks everyone.