Gabe Newell, born November 3, 1962, is an American businessman, programmer, and co-founder of a successful video game empire. At first, he attended Harvard University but dropped out to join Microsoft as the head of sales. Newell learned a great deal about software development during his years at Microsoft and was later inspired to start his own business. In 1996, Newell and Mike Harrington founded Valve, which is now known as one of the biggest video game companies worldwide. Today, we look at where his career began as we celebrate his birthday!
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Gabe Logan Newell
Nickname:
Gaben
Birth date:
November 03, 1962
Age:
61 years, 5 months
Zodiac Sign:
Scorpio
Height:
5' 7"
Relationship Status:
Divorced
Net Worth:
$3.9 billion
Background
Gabe Newell, American businessman, programmer, and co-founder of the video company Valve, was born in Colorado on November 3, 1962. He attended Davis Senior High School in California and furthered his education after high school at Harvard University. In 1983, Newell dropped out of college to begin his career at Microsoft, where he was employed as the head of sales. During his 13 years at the tech company, he helped produce the first three releases of the Windows operating system.After gaining much experience and learning more about software development at Microsoft, Newell wanted to start his own video game company. In 1996, he and Mike Harrington, who was also a Microsoft employee, left the company to focus on establishing Valve, their own business. By 1998, they developed their first product called “Half-Life,” a first-person shooter game. Two years later, in 2000, Harrington left Valve, with Newell becoming the company’s sole owner. In 2004, he developed “Half-Life 2,” a game that would later win 39 Game of the Year awards. Meanwhile, Newell worked on Steam, a digital distribution service for games, which became the breakthrough of his company and the most significant source of revenue. In 2010, Newell was named by “Forbes” as ‘A Name You Should Know’ for the development of Steam. By 2011, the distribution platform controlled up to 70% of the market for downloaded P.C. games.In 2013, as Newell continued to rise in success, he was added to the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. Within the same year, he received the BAFTA Fellowship award for his contributions to the video game industry. By 2017, he appeared on the “Forbes” list of ‘100 Wealthiest People in the U.S.’
Career timeline
He drops out of Harvard and embarks on his career journey at Microsoft as the head of sales.
Newell and colleague Mike Harrington leave Microsoft and make their own video game company, Valve.
Valve develops its first product called “Half-Life.”
Newell becomes the sole owner of Valve.
Newell launches Steam, a digital distribution service for P.C. games.
Gabe Newell FAQs
Where does Gabe Newell stay now?
He applied for New Zealand residency in 2021.
Where is Valve located now?
As of 2021, Valve is located in Seattle.
Are there any Valve games still in development?
Yes, the company has many games in development.
5 Surprising Facts
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He suffered from Fuchs’ dystrophy
This disease affects the cornea, and he had to undergo two cornea transplants.
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His first son inspired a final boss
Newell revealed that the birth of his first son inspired the final boss in “Half-Life,” as he and his wife found childbirth quite frightening.
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He is an “M.L.P” fan
Newell has openly talked about how he likes to watch “My Little Pony.”
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He loves “Super Mario 64”
It is one of his all-time favorite video games.
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He collects knives
Newell has a collection of 600 knives!
Why We Love Gabe Newell
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His software makes gaming simpler and convenient
Many gamers agree that Steam makes purchasing games and keeping them updated simpler and more convenient. In fact, his software is said to be keeping P.C. gaming alive.
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He is passionate about software development
His great passion for gaming and software development has made a big difference in the gaming world. A better programmer couldn’t have created Valve games and Steam!
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He built an empire from his experience with Microsoft
Newell spent over 10 years at Microsoft, learning more and more about technology and developing software day by day. His ambition drove him to use all he knew and start his own video game company. His story is an inspiration to “just go for it.”
Gabe Newell’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 3 | Thursday |
| 2023 | November 3 | Friday |
| 2024 | November 3 | Sunday |
| 2025 | November 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | November 3 | Tuesday |
