Why do i HAVE to have a steam account to play a game I already bought?

[masquerademom]

When I bought Skyrim for the first time i'm like YAY finally. but I didn't have internet at the time. I couldn't install it onto my computer because I HAD to have steam account. fine what ever i can deal with that. but one one think that you could play a game you spent your own hard earned money on anytime you felt like it. even without internet. but no..no you cant. what was not ment to be an online exclusive game has turned into just that. if the steam servers are down i can't play my.. MY Skyrim game. if my internet service gets interupted for some reason I will be the proud owner of a $70 (US) paper weight. don't get me wrong steam isn't bad i like using it most days but it just irks me that I can't play a game I spent my money on any time i want to. that's the whole point in buying a game. or anything for that matter isn't it?

[«Gғм» Kid Of The Century]

Yes, the absence of an internet connection is annoying. Sadly that's the current trend and while the whole "subscription" thing has legally speaking been in place since the dawn of videogaming (well, let's say since the Iron Age) now they've the tools to enforce it.

I'm not 100% happy about that, on the other hand, I can see why devs could love an environment that gives full control of their product.

[Zefar]

If you've fully installed Skyrim and run it once while being online. You can just jump to offline mode and keep playing it that way.

Steam is a DRM and it's needed to play quite a lot of games.

If you play Skyrim while your internet connection goes out nothing will happen. You'll just be able to keep playing it as normal.

[76561198046335345]

will anybody answer the dam question why do I have to install steam to play a game that I bought it mine end of statement are you people to ignorant to understand

[Spawn of Totoro]

Originally posted by Hambone455:

will anybody answer the dam question why do I have to install steam to play a game that I bought it mine end of statement are you people to ignorant to understand

Originally posted by Zefar:

Steam is a DRM and it's needed to play quite a lot of games.

You got the correct answer already. Steam is a form of DRM. Developers use it to protect their software/IP and ensure people don't steal it. It is there, primarely, to protect the Developer/Publisher.

Aside form being DRM, Steam is a store where you can buy more games, as well as a social gaming hub.

You purchased a limited license to play the game (the developers own it) and got a copy of the software along with it. You don't own it.

[Ice]

Whats wrong with steam? It's a hub for all your games, it keeps every game updated, we have awesome discounts and a big community.

[Kenny32673]

Originally posted by Hambone455:

will anybody answer the dam question why do I have to install steam to play a game that I bought it mine end of statement are you people to ignorant to understand

Ok, then the answer is simple. The game ISN'T yours, it remains the property of the developers/publishers while you have a licence to play it, and they say you need to install Steam.

[Marble]

PC games have installed additional software since the 90's, maybe earlier than that. The only difference now is that you at least get warned in advance that it's going to happen.

[Master Lu]

Because Bethesda prioritized consoles before PC this time.. this happens. Though it is nice to think you dont need to keep the game discs because steam will let you redownload when ever you want.

[alt.Shell]

Why would you be complaining anyways? STEAM is a great system to organize your games. Better than just having them on your computer. Though I do see what you mean.

[alt.Shell]

Also (by the way) you can start STEAM in offline mode. At least I can.

[EZmny]

You can run it any time.

[ELF [swe]]

This nags me a bit too.
I din't notice that Skyrim needed Steam until I started installing it. It should allways be possible to install a game without an internetconnection that you bought on DVD.

[Dagnabbit]

You should probably read the back of the box next time before buying games, then. Skyrim states in the requirements that an internet connection and Steam account are required to activate the product.