With apologies to Bill Shakespeare!

I've never used Steam but am now forced to at least use it to unlock Skyrim's DRM.

As a complete Steam noob this begs an obvious question: is there any practical difference between using a store-bought DVD copy and simply acitvating it via Steam or actually buying it off Steam?

I'm asking purely from the point of view of the game, it's updating, modding, etc., the 'social media' aspects of Steam interest me not in the least.

I've seen comments elsewhere, over time, where it seemed modding Steam-based games was problematic, with comments along the lines of "doesn't work with Steam" .. no, I can't provide links it's simply a view I've built up over the years.

So, maybe I can ask on here, are there any considerations from the game's perspective PRO or CON for either, or not using, a copy bought on Steam?

Thanks.

There is no actual difference. Skyrim is not being worked on and the patches are available to everyone. The difference is: Steam keeps a log of the amount of playing hours. As for communication, you can communicate through Steam, but Skype has always been a better option to me.
I usually mod through NMM(Nexus Mod Manager) for Skyrim, because Nexus has a larger library of mods. But I still prefer to install some mods manually. I never used Steam workshop. So I can't tell you the pros and cons of that.

I have a retail version, and it does what it's supposed to. Plus, I received a map of the province too I don't think Valve will send you one if you buy the game from them.

You can purchase either, the only difference between the physical copy and the digital download, means that you have to download the game instead of installing it via DVD...However, in order to download/use the patch you need steam, that goes for all DLC content from Bethesda as well...So we're luckier than most, that worst comes to worse, we can actually install/play our game even though it will be unpatched...I had to wait 3 years to play a game due to a bad installation and losing internet access to my home.

Note: installing from a physical DVD does not actually use the files there. Unless you use an official workaround, Steam will refuse to acknowledge that yes, you actually have a DVD, even if you start the installer from the DVD

Just remember that

If you have a (legal) choice I would say a resounding NO to STEAM, they frankly admit to not having much of an idea what they are doing regarding support for mods and modders and as a result you may find yourself continually having to reinstall dozens of mods. If all this is new to you, you may not realize exactly how much impact mods and plugins have on your game, yet, you will!

Skyrim is a fabulous game, as a gamesas addict I can say it's definitely the best game available bar none, in a long line of superb games.

However, I have deleted it from my STEAM account, a decision that I found heartbreaking but, it's a better choice than the misery, frustration and stress of having to spend weeks, literally weeks (cumulatively) reinstalling mods to get back to where I started, before I can continue to mod or play my game.!