COMPANY PROFILE
TABLE OF CONTENTS Our Words to You About Us Our History Our Vision, Mission, and Purpose Our Founder Our Organizational Structure Our Team Our Hardware Products Our Games Our Awards and Achievements Our Communities Our Value Revenue Our Partners Our Present and Future Goals
02 04 05 08 09 10 11 13 14 16 18 19 21 22 Our Team Page 11
Our Awards and Achievements Page 16
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OUR WORDS TO YOU To Our Valued Community, Greetings from Valve! It is with great pleasure that we extend our heartfelt appreciation to each member of our diverse and passionate gaming community. At Valve, we are not just a game development company; we are a collective of creators, innovators, and gamers who share a common love for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of interactive entertainment. Over years, we’ve embarked on an incredible journey together, crafting worlds, characters, and experiences that have become integral parts of your lives. From the immersive storytelling of Half-Life to the strategic depth of Dota 2, our commitment to delivering high-quality, memorable games remains unwavering. Our success is intrinsically tied to the enthusiasm and feedback of our community. Your dedication inspires us to continually raise the bar and explore new frontiers in gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned player, a budding creator, or someone exploring our virtual worlds for the first time, know that you are an essential part of the Valve family. As we reflect on our shared history and look toward the future, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Our ongoing commitment is to provide you with experiences that not only meet but exceed your expectations. Your passion fuels our creativity, and we are eager to embark on new adventures together. Thank you for being an integral part of the Valve community. We look forward to many more years of collaboration, innovation, and, most importantly, fun. Stay connected, stay inspired, and above all, keep playing!
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ABOUT US Welcome to Valve, where gaming innovation meets limitless creativity. Since our inception in 1996, we’ve been shaping the gaming landscape with iconic titles like Half-Life, Counter-Strike, and Portal. At Valve, we’re not just game developers; we’re storytellers, engineers, and dreamers committed to delivering unparalleled gaming experiences. Our passion extends beyond games; we’ve redefined digital distribution with Steam, connecting millions of players worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to quality and a culture of innovation, Valve is not just a game company—it’s a hub of creativity and a home for gaming enthusiasts. Join us in exploring the limitless possibilities of gaming, where every player is part of the Valve legacy. Welcome to a world where innovation knows no bounds. Welcome to Valve.
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OUR HISTORY
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1996: Foundation
1998: Debut with Half-Life
2003: Launch of Steam
August 24, 1996: Valve Corporation was founded by former Microsoft employees Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington in Kirkland, Washington.
November 19, 1998: Valve released their debut game, the first-person shooter Half-Life, which was a critical and commercial success.
September 12, 2003: Valve launched Steam, a digital distribution platform for video games.
2000: Counter-Strike Emerges
2004: Half-Life 2 and Source Engine
November 9, 2000: Originally a mod for “Half-Life,” “Counter-Strike” is officially released as a standalone game, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
November 16, 2004: Valve released Half-Life 2, which received critical acclaim and sold 12 million copies by 2011.
2020: Return to Half-Life with HalfLife: Alyx March 23, 2020: Valve returned to the Half-Life series with Half-Life: Alyx, their flagship VR game.
2022: Steam Deck December 2022: Valve released the Steam Deck, a portable gaming system.
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OUR VISION, MISSION, AND PURPOSE Our overarching vision is propelled by a dedication to providing unparalleled gaming and entertainment experiences for our customers. At the heart of this vision lies a commitment to empowering our employees within an environment where passion becomes the catalyst for creativity. By enabling our team members to immerse themselves in projects they are genuinely passionate about, we aim to unlock the full potential of our diverse talents, ensuring that every endeavor is infused with enthusiasm and dedication. Expanding on this vision, we have outlined a comprehensive mission that revolves around making our online gaming platform the ultimate destination for enthusiasts. This entails not only presenting gamers with a broad spectrum of choices and competitive prices but also cultivating a dynamic and supportive community for developers and players alike. Through the continuous evolution and enhancement of our platform, we aspire to redefine the digital gaming landscape, providing an unparalleled space that goes beyond mere transactions, fostering connections, and curating experiences that resonate deeply with the gaming community. In the pursuit of our broader purpose, we are steadfast in our commitment to both entertain and innovate. Through games and technology, we seek to entertain and inspire people on a global scale, crafting immersive experiences that transcend the conventional boundaries of gaming. At the core of this purpose is an unwavering dedication to creativity and innovation, pushing the boundaries to introduce groundbreaking ideas and solutions that captivate audiences and contribute to the ongoing advancement of the gaming industry. We see ourselves not merely as game developers but as a driving force actively shaping the future of interactive entertainment and technology.
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OUR FOUNDER
Gabe Newell
Co-Founder of Valve Corporation Gabe Newell, born November 3, 1962, is a gaming industry luminary and Valve Corporation’s co-founder. Formerly at Microsoft, he co-established Valve in 1996. Newell’s visionary leadership catapulted Valve to iconic status, delivering groundbreaking titles like “Half-Life,” “Counter-Strike,” and “Portal.” Beyond gaming, he’s instrumental in the success of Steam, the leading online gaming platform.
Mike Harrington
Co-Founder of Valve Corporation Mike Harrington, co-founder of Valve Corporation with Gabe Newell in 1996, played a vital role in shaping the company’s early culture. Harrington’s contributions laid the foundation for Valve’s commitment to quality, player-focused games. Though he left in 2000, his influence alongside Gabe Newell set the stage for Valve’s success in revolutionizing game development and digital distribution.
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BOSS-FREE SINCE 1996 Our company employs a flat hierarchy, known as a “flat” or “horizontal” organizational structure, distinguishing itself from traditional corporate setups. Key aspects include: Flat Hierarchy: Lacking the layers typical in traditional structures, we forgo a formal chain of command with managers overseeing specific teams or departments. Autonomous Teams: Organized into small, autonomous teams, our structure grants individuals significant autonomy and decision-making authority. Employees choose projects based on interest, fostering a culture of intrinsic motivation and creativity. Employee Empowerment: Employees enjoy the freedom to select projects aligned with their interests, fostering intrinsic motivation and creativity. Decision-making is decentralized, placing trust in those closest to the work. Desk Mobility: Employees have mobile workspaces, with desks on wheels, facilitating movement between projects or teams. The office layout encourages collaboration and interaction among team members. No Formal Titles: Without traditional job titles or a strict hierarchy, employees are generally referred to as “our company employees.” Self-Management: Our philosophy empowers employees to manage their work without traditional oversight. Project management relies on self-organization, with individuals assuming roles as needed.
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MEE T OUR TEAM
ART
AUDIO
Aaron Barber
Ethan Geller
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Amy Baisch
Ariel Diaz
Nathaniel Blue
Elizabeth Ratto Tristan Reidford
Dave Riller
Ryan Done Eddie Parker
Chris Welch
Tim Larkin Greg Cherlin
Dan Rosas Paulsen
Tobin Buttram Ido Magal
Eric Kirchmer Irving Zhang Jason Brashill Matt Charlesworth Max Aristov Thiago Vidotto Tristan Reidford Wade Schin
BUSINESS DEVELOPEMENT Adam Klaff Connor Malone DJ Powers Nathaniel Blue Ria Hu Shreya Liu Tom Giardino
DATA SCIENCE John McDonald Kaci Aitchison Boyle Kristian Miller Matt Rhoten
Jake Rodkin Jeff Lane John Morello Karen Prell Ken Banks Kyle Sommer Matt Charlesworth Matt Logue Mike Belzer Miles Estes Phil Co
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HUMAN RESOURCE
Simonne Brown Patricia Zavalza
Bram Eulaers
Alexander Mark
Mike Morasky Jared Christen
Brad Kinley
Robin Walker Sean Vanaman
David Underwood Ariel Diaz
GAME DESIGN
HARDWARE Ben Jackson Gordon Stoll Jeff Leinbaugh Jeff Mucha Jeremy Selan Johnny Deng Michael Baseflug Shreya Liu Steve Cardinali Tor Krog
PRODUCT DESIGN
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
Gordon Stoll
Yahn Bernier
TECHINICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
OTHER EXPERTS
John Drury
Alireza Razmpoosh
Seán O Sullivan
Andrew Kim
Jay Stelly Alden Kroll
Adil Sardar Jeff Leinbaugh
Benoit Collette
Al Farnsworth Jeremy Selan
Carl Conlee
Anish Chandak
Augusta Butlin Joe Ludwig
Chris Shambaugh
Ben Burbank
David Speyrer John McCaskey
Dhabih Eng
Ben Jackson
Eric Smith John McDonald
Emily Kent
Brian Jacobson
Erik Johnson John Schoenick
Greg Coomer
Charlie Brown Jon Pile
Jay Shaw
Chris Carollo Lukasz Gwozdz
John Ikeda
Chris Kadar Martin Otten
Lawrence Yang
Colby Sieber Matt Rhoten
Melissa Small
Daniel Jennings Dave Kircher
WRITING Jay Pinkerton Jon Blakeley Sean Vanaman Steve Jaros
Gabe Newell Jason Mitchell Kelly Thornton Liam Lavery Matthew An
Nathan Nuber
Quintin Doroquez
Ronald Hu Don Holden
Pierre-Loup Griffais
Shawn Zabecki
Sara Charhon Drew Gottlieb
Scott Dalton
Simonne Brown
Scott Lynch Eddie Parker
Sergiy Migdalskiy Scott Nietfeld
Fletcher Dunn
Taylor Sherman Sharon Wang
Gina Wang
Vitaliy Genkin
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O UR H A RD WA RE PRODUCTS
Steam Deck™ Pricing: Steam Deck Base Model (64GB eMMC Storage): $399 Steam Deck Midrange Model (256GB NVMe SSD Storage): $529 Steam Deck High-End Model (512GB NVMe SSD Storage, Premium AntiGlare Etched Glass): $649
Valve Index® VR Kit
Steam Controller and Steam Link
Pricing: Valve Index VR Kit: $999. This kit includes the following components:
Pricing: Steam Controller: $49.99 Steam Link: $49.99
Valve Index Headset, Integrated Headphones, Valve Index Controllers (Pair), and Valve Index Base Stations (2.0, Pair)
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OUR GAMES
Half-Life Series:
Left 4 Dead Series:
Counter-Strike Series:
Left 4 Dead ($9.99) Left 4 Dead 2 ($9.99)
Counter-Strike (-) Counter-Strike: Condition Zero ($9.99 ) Counter-Strike: Source ($19.99) Counter-Strike: Global Offensive ($14.99) Cunter-Strike 2 (Free to Play)
Portal Series:
Dota Series:
Portal ($9.99) Portal 2 ($9.99)
Dota 2 (Free to Play))
Team Fortress Series:
Half-Life ($9.99) Half-Life 2 ($9.99) Half-Life 2: Episode One ($7.99) Half-Life 2: Episode Two ($7.99) Halg-Life Alyx($59.99)
Team Fortress Classic (Free to Play) Team Fortress 2 (Free to Play)
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O UR AWA RD S A ND ACHIEVEMENTS Here are some of our awards and achievements since the start of our journey: Game Developers Choice Awards: Valve and Gabe Newell have received special honors and awards at the Game Developers Choice Awards for our contributions to the gaming industry. BAFTA Games Awards: Ourgames, including Half-Life 2, Portal, and others, have received recognition at the British Academy Games Awards. The International (Dota 2): The International, an annual Dota 2 tournament organized by us, has set records for the largest prize pools in esports history. Steam Platform Recognition: Steam has received numerous industry awards and recognition for its impact on digital distribution and gaming platforms. Half-Life Series: The Half-Life series has won numerous awards for its innovation, storytelling, and impact on the first-person shooter genre. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO): CS: GO has been recognized for its success in the esports community, earning awards and accolades for its competitive gameplay.
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OUR BELOVED COMMUNITIES As pioneers in the gaming industry, we’ve nurtured vibrant gamer communities around our innovative titles and the Steam platform. Iconic games like Half-Life, Portal, and Counter-Strike showcase our commitment to exceptional gaming and passionate community-building. Within these dynamic spaces, players connect, exchange insights, and create collaboratively. Steam, a hub for millions, goes beyond a marketplace—it’s a living forum, a canvas for user-generated content, and a stage for celebrating gaming culture. Our community engagement extends to esports, where enthusiasts rally around titles like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. This unique synergy between our corporation and its diverse communities reflects a shared love for gaming, a commitment to creativity, and an embrace of the ever-evolving world of interactive entertainment. In this ongoing narrative, we draw inspiration from the collective journey, where innovation resonates with the diverse heartbeat of gamers worldwide.
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O UR VA L UE RE V E N UE
$ 15 Billion
$ 10 Billion
$ 5 Billion
$ 0 Billion 2017
2018 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
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2019
2020 $ 13 Billion $ 12.61 Billion $ 5.85 Billion $ 4.94 Billion $ 4.3 Billion
2021
O UR VA L UE RE V E N UE FROM STEAM $ 10 Billion
$ 7.5 Billion
$ 5 Billion
$ 2.5 Billion
$ 0 Billion 2017
2018 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
2019
2020
2021
$10 Billion $9.7 Billion $4.5 Billion $3.8 Billion $3.4 Billion
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OUR PARTNERS To sastify our vast communities of gamers around the world, we partner up with the best gaming brand ever. Here are some of our partners: HTC: Valve partnered with HTC to develop the HTC Vive, a virtual reality headset released in collaboration with Valve. Oculus VR (Facebook Reality Labs): While Oculus and Valve are competitors in the virtual reality space, we have also collaborated on certain projects, and our VR games are compatible with some Oculus headsets. NVIDIA: Valve has collaborated with NVIDIA, a leading graphics processing unit (GPU) manufacturer, on various projects related to graphics technology and gaming. AMD: Valve has worked with AMD on graphics technology and hardware-related initiatives. Linux Foundation: Valve has been involved in promoting Linux as a gaming platform and has collaborated with the Linux Foundation. Intel: Valve has had partnerships with Intel on various fronts, including hardware optimizations. And millions of game developers through our SteamWorks.
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OUR PRESENT AND FU TURE GOALS Virtual Reality (VR) Development: We have invested in virtual reality technology with the release of our Valve Index VR system and the development of VR-exclusive games like “Half-Life: Alyx.” We may continue to explore advancements in VR experiences. Gaming Industry Leadership: We are a major player in the gaming industry, with a focus on both game development and our digital distribution platform, Steam. Future game releases, updates to existing titles, and improvements to the Steam platform are areas where we may continue to invest. Hardware Innovation: We have ventured into hardware development with products like the Steam Controller, Steam Link, and our Valve Index VR system. We may explore new hardware innovations or improvements in existing products. Esports and Competitive Gaming: We have a strong presence in the esports scene, particularly with games like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Continued support for competitive gaming, esports tournaments, and updates to popular titles are areas of potential focus. Community Engagement: We have a strong community of gamers on the Steam platform. We may continue to focus on community engagement, user-generated content, and collaborative features within our ecosystem.
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Address: 10900 NE 4th Street, Suite 500, Bellevue, WA 98004, USA Phone: +1 (425) 889-96421 Fax: +1 (425) 827-48431 Website: www.valvesoftware.com Email: Valve’s general inquiries at contact@valvesoftware.com