I saw in the recommended specs:

[junkmale87]

They state: Internet access for steam activation.

Is it safe to assume that this is a steamworks game? and will be able to be purchased via retail or other digital distribution sites and then will tie itself to steam? I hope so because steam doesnt always have the best deals for games, yet i prefer to have all my games on steam.

If anyone has any further information on this please let me know!

Id like to purchase retail, or elsewhere if this is the case :)

[Cpt.Calavera]

Sorry man, I think nobody knows this for sure. You'll have to wait till launch day and hope for the best.

[dannythefool]

They've confirmed that retail versions will require Steam activation, and we've repeated it in about five million and one threads on these forums.

[Micknator]

They've confirmed that retail versions will require Steam activation, and we've repeated it in about five million and one threads on these forums.

What he said.

[Elenoe]

http://forums.bethsoft.com/index.php?/topic/1242199-skyrim-and-steam/

[Thaifun]

They've confirmed that retail versions will require Steam activation, and we've repeated it in about five million and one threads on these forums.

This...

[junkmale87]

cool thanks for the quick replies! sorry i didn't do a good job skimming the forums to find out :)