Overview
Gabe Newell left Microsoft to make games. Half-Life proved Valve could compete with id. Then they built Steam—and changed everything. The digital distribution platform became PC gaming’s storefront, making Valve a gatekeeper while their internal development produced innovative titles at an increasingly glacial pace.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1996.
- Founders: Gabe Newell, Mike Harrington.
- Location: Bellevue, Washington.
- Known for: Half-Life, Steam, Portal.
Game development
| Title |
Year |
Achievement |
| Half-Life |
1998 |
Narrative FPS |
| Counter-Strike |
2000 |
Acquired mod |
| Half-Life 2 |
2004 |
Physics, storytelling |
| Portal |
2007 |
Puzzle innovation |
| Left 4 Dead |
2008 |
Co-op zombie |
| Dota 2 |
2013 |
MOBA |
| Half-Life: Alyx |
2020 |
VR showcase |
| Achievement |
Impact |
| Digital distribution |
Industry standard |
| DRM solution |
Publisher adoption |
| Community features |
Social gaming |
| Workshop |
Mod distribution |
| Market dominance |
De facto PC storefront |
Source engine
| Game |
Use |
| Half-Life 2 |
Introduction |
| Counter-Strike: Source |
Multiplayer |
| Portal series |
Puzzle |
| Left 4 Dead series |
Co-op |
| Third-party licenses |
Wide adoption |
Corporate structure
| Feature |
Unique aspect |
| Flat hierarchy |
No managers |
| Desk mobility |
Roll to projects |
| Project selection |
Employee-driven |
| Valve Time |
Notorious delays |
Hardware ventures
| Product |
Status |
| Steam Machines |
Discontinued |
| Steam Controller |
Discontinued |
| Valve Index |
VR headset |
| Steam Deck |
Handheld PC |
See also