For the past year I have been really busy with several projects and have been out of the "Elder Scrolls loop", so to speak.
I have a couple of qiestions that I hope someone can answer. First off, does Skyrim still require STEAM to play (has anyone found a way to avoid that part)? Second: Did the Skyrim mod making tool ever get released, and if so how does it compare to the one from Oblivion?
- Thanks

Yes, Skyrim for the PC is Steam exclusive. There is no legal way to play Skyrim without using Steam.

Yes, the construction set is out, although its got a few bugs that need to be worked out. It is much more extensive than Oblivions CS, albeit "different". Do not expect the same experience.

Yes, Skyrim requires Steam to play it. Though, you can play it without internet in offline mode. The "Creation Kit" is out now and I as a newbie, figured it out preety quick how to use it via youtube videos. Though I never saw the Oblivion tool, I cannot comment on the comparison.

Thanks for the relpies. Unfortunately it looks as if I won't be purchasing Skyrim. I have a personal vendetta against STEAM.

It works on Xbox and PS3 without Steam.

Thanks, but I'm a modder. Can't see myself buying a new system just for one game.

You could play Skyrim in "Offline Mode" in Steam?