Not finding much information but on this page, saw it mention forced use of steam:

http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/fi/en/pc/games/action/fallout-4/#description

Page says: " Third party DRM: Steam This game requires a free Steam account to play."

Anyone know if there's something I'm missing, or is that really it?

I'm sure there'll be a disc version.

I'm fine with Steam really.

I assume it will be handled like Skyrim.

SHOCKER!

Right but, some of these games are letting you buy a retail disc, and then you get it home, and it still requires steam.

DRM reasons apparently. But hey, at least we've evolved past the code wheel days! Boy that was a pain. -feels old-

Well, if anyone is aware of anything else, I'm curious.

Well, if they have their hat thrown in with Steam, then you're more than likely stuck with Steam, since I think it's a trade license thing.

Yes, and when they do, it will be on the package.

Whether you buy the game on Steam directly or the disc at a retail store, you still need to connect to Steam to use it, at least initially, as after that I'm pretty sure you can play in offline mode which doesn't require an internet connection. Either way, there is DRM.

...Now if you buy it on disc for a console, there will be no DRM. If you buy it digitally from the PSN store or Xbox Live Market, you'll have to be connected to the internet and the respective online services those console use to play it.

And no matter what, you need to be connected to the internet for updates and patches, so it's kind of necessary either way.

It's 2015, everyone except rebellious indies, CD Projekt and Paradox puts DRM in their games. It's not surprising Fallout 4 will require Steam. Of course, we will still be able to install from disk to avoid a long download.

I don't have a problem using Steam for a DRM. If this is the case, I do look forward to the Steam workshop mods for Fallout 4.

You guys seem pretty sure this will be a steam-only game (for PC specifically, yes). I think that is what they did to Skyrim, too.

Not the news I was hoping to hear. I was hoping there would be an option to purchase it without needing to incorporate such 3rd party software (like Fallout 3 was able to be purchased).

Thanks for the responses.. I'm personally very resistant to anything steam-related and expect to be passing on this game, for this sole reason.

I'll take Steam over any other DRM-solution.

And yes, it's 2015, people. One must live extremely deep in the sticks if Steam is an issue.

What is the issue with Steam anyway? I really, really don't get it. It's an extremely convenient platform.

Paradox require Steam in all their new games actually.

Anyway, while Steam was an absolutely terrible program to use a few years ago, it's far better now and its convenience and deals outweigh its flaws. It shouldn't be an issue.

I don't mind Steam, however I do mind that Valve are an extremely corrupt and monopolistic company, and after the stunt they pulled with paid mods it wouldn't surprise me if they tried to exert even more control over FO4.

Like, say, all mods requiring validation through Steam for example.

They have already stated they would use Steam or something like it have they not? When they released Skyrim.

Not in their own games, only in games they publish.

Yes they do. CK2 and EU4 both require Steam. HOI4 most likely will as well.

I thought it was common knowledge that it would require Steam, digital and disc...

I will buy a physical copy because I love owning the physical copy of things I am old fashioned in this regard. As to steam I have never had any issues with it and I am fine with any game being licensed threw the platform.

I'm physical as well, with all games. I don't mind Steam either, never really found problems with the client. Games, ya I have but the client itself not really.

At least it isn't bundling with uPlay...

Once installed, they can be played without the Steam client running. You can move the files elsewhere if you want. I can understand it isn't satisfactory for people who bought the disk version and hoped to avoid Steam altogether (I have no idea if it can be installed offline, probably not), but since the patches and DLC aren't even released physically and they're pretty essential in Paradox games, I don't see the Steam requirement as different from a Paradox account requirement or Gamersgate or GOG. That's just me though.

Your kidding were low on water, cant they go with wind.