Keeping the software up to date is super, duper easy as well since X-Plane will automatically inform you when a new version is available, and all you have to do is click 'OK', and the installer takes care of the rest. You can even have multiple copies installed on the same computer, which some people do for testing and to try out beta versions without trashing their primary installation. It installs in its own directory that can be moved, copied, and backed up to your heart's content because the program is not linked in any way to your operating system with messy registry entries or external libraries. All-in-all, I see just too many negatives for not having the Steam version.The biggest benefit of the standalone version is that it really is standalone. I've also read that Laminar won't give a Steam key if you bought it in another way.

Originally posted by War Radish:The convenience of always having it to hand to (re)install, the automatic updates (apparently the update system of 10, outside of Steam, was poor with reports that people sometimes had to wipe and re-install the game from scratch after an unsuccessful update), the hasle of having to insert DVD No.1 as copy protection if you got a version on disc, or not having to remember or find the installation key code if you bought the download version. Just a heads-up for anyone who is too impatient and wants in to the beta version now: rather than buying directly from Laminar, if you get it from Aerosoft it's a little cheaper and you also get 3 free airport addons (buy Xplane 10 with the automatic upgrade to Xplane 11 and the price is lower still). All-in-all, I see just too many negatives for not having the Steam version. The convenience of always having it to hand to (re)install, the automatic updates (apparently the update system of 10, outside of Steam, was poor with reports that people sometimes had to wipe and re-install the game from scratch after an unsuccessful update), the hasle of having to insert DVD No.1 as copy protection if you got a version on disc, or not having to remember or find the installation key code if you bought the download version. After reading around a lot today, it seems the consensus from people that bought the last one (Xplane 10) is that it's better to wait for a Steam version to release.

I've been thinking of picking this sim up.

Download free xplane steam