You are lucky if you can install Skyrim in a few hours. For me it took one day. There was several crashes during the installation and after 9+ hours it was installed successfully. Then it started to update which took a few hours too.

Game companies wouldn't be so keen on linking their games to steam if game retailers weren't such giant ducks on used sales, which hurt the developers way more than piracy.

The reason why you see so many companies trying to make multiplayer games, games with micro transactions, or games that have special unlocks that can only be used once is because stores like GameStop are wrecking their profits with the used games trade. Every time a game is sold as used it does just as much damage to the developer as if its pirated, except its legal to do so, so a lot more people are doing it.

I find the skyrim+steam combo quite good. I didn't have any problems. Just cause you had bad luck with it doesn't mean you have to go around and complain and say steam svcks.

I used to have an opinion like you... then I SAW THE AMAZING DEALS GABEN IS GIVING US.

Also, Using Steam launch options to install retail games from disc

• Log in to Steam and click on Library.
  
• Right-click on the game, select Delete local content, and confirm.
  
• Insert the first disc into your computer.
  
• Close Steam (Steam > Exit).
  
• Press Windows Key + R to open Run
  
• In the Run window type: "C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe" -install E:

all I can say is the Steam requirement is limiting my options for buying a game had Skyrim not required Steam I would have happily shelled out for the collector's edition but with my connection... it's just not worth it. the publishers are hurting the legit customers that just can't use Steam.

Please support PC gaming & not just Steam gaming

one reason is that drm can be a big headache to those who buy pay for the games

I couldn't tell you how many times I've heard " I bought the retail version then downloaded the "other" version to actually play."

I have been using Steam since it came out... I have never had any issues playing or downloading games... It is easy and convenient which makes it an ideal option. Don't use it if you don't like it.

I would like to note that, once you install the game and register with Steam, you need never have to log on to Steam to play. Open your Skyrim folder. You'll note two files: Skyrim Launcher and TESV. Make a shortcut to TESV and drag it to desktop. You now can play without ever having to use Steam.

Steam is horrible. I got the game today and downloaded and activated it mistakenly under a friend of my son's account. Now I can't play. Have an open ticket with steam support. Good luck with that. $60 down the drain.

I will never ever do this again.

say what???


but steam is crap...

I guess I'm lucky I downloaded it 1 week after release.

Oh look another Steam bashing thread. Honestly, the argument bores me. The only people that seem have trouble are the people are the people that didn't read the instructions or attempt to 'get around' steam in some way. Literally MILLIONS of people are using Steam without any problems whatsoever.

But Steam is "crap" because you failed to follow instructions or tried to cheat the system. Despite some of its earlier problems, it has since become probably the most reliable service I have ever held. The future will bring more online DRM not less, so my advice is adapt to the changes or find another hobby.

Your opinion.

I had no issues downloading the game. Once I activated it, I went off-line. I played without connecting to steam again, until two days ago. Then I logged into steam and got the patches. Then I went back off-line, and I'm still off-line. I play all my steam games off-line.
I like it; while I will buy discs for some games, I appreciate not having to keep the discs handy to change off if I want to play a different game. I have access to my games on both my laptop and my desktop. For me, Steam doesn't svck.

Different opinions, different experiences; people are allowed to disagree.

More off-topic posts discussing pirating and torrents went away. Please read the forum rules.

No. I have 15 games in Steam and it all came from disk (said for a 650mb download and DLC's for FO:NV not Fallout: New Vegas) and never download those games from Steam as I brought the hard copy. Because I know what is going to happen when 1000000 users download one game at one time. A cluster jam. Also I never need the disc to start them.

This needs to close. There is a Steam thread open in Community Discussion. Too many off-topic references here, along with flame-baiting.