Does the retail version of the game really require steam?

[H0arsT]

According to this image of the backside of the german retail version, the game requires a steam account. Since the game is also available on GOG I wonder if this is true?

What I've seen to far, the game looks very promising and I'd really like to buy the DVD but not when I'm artificially forced to use steam.

 

[Luna_UK]

If you buy it from the Paradox store then you can launch it through Paradox's own platform and remove the need for steam.

Not sure if Paradox is going to host mods themselves or if that will be on the Steam platform

 

[henzington]

Most paradox games do but a couple use the paradox Launcher like tyranny and Stellaris

 

[spannbeton]

You can download it via steam, copy the files out of the steam directory still play it as far as I know.
However If i were you I'd buy it at GOG instead then.

I personally use steam just bcs of the workshop and easy mod support. I dont like all the DRM but mod support easily outweighs that.

 

[PaulMClem]

What's the problem with Steam?

 

[H0arsT]

Thank you all very much for the quick and numerous replies!

Just to be sure, I'm talking about a physical copy of the game with DVD and (hopefully printed) manual in a nice little box to put on a shelf. Yes I know, I'm a dinosaur in the world of digital downloads

You can download it via steam, copy the files out of the steam directory still play it as far as I know.
However If i were you I'd buy it at GOG instead then.

I personally use steam just bcs of the workshop and easy mod support. I dont like all the DRM but mod support easily outweighs that.

Interesting. If even the steam-version doesn't require steam to run I wonder even more why the retail version should be bound to steam.
Unless someone can assure me that I won't need a steam-acc for the retail version, I'll probably go with GOG as you suggested. No new box for my shelf

What's the problem with Steam?

I'm no "steam-hater", but I had a pretty bad experience with Steam and ever since I avoid Steam whenever I can.

 

[PaulMClem]

I'm no "steam-hater", but I had a pretty bad experience with Steam and ever since I avoid Steam whenever I can.

Aidh, fair enough. Just wondered as I've never had any issues with Steam.

 

[EntilZha]

What's the problem with Steam?

Not everyone worships Steam like most PC gamers seem to. Many people dislike having to install what is essentially a marketing platform on their home computer.

 

[PaulMClem]

Not everyone worships Steam like most PC gamers seem to. Many people dislike having to install what is essentially a marketing platform on their home computer.

Personally I don't "worship" Steam, I use it because it serves a purpose. If some chose not to use it then fine.