Valve Software / Steam

Valve Corporation, founded by former Microsoft employees Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington, is a cornerstone of the modern gaming industry. Based in Bellevue, Washington, it began as a video game developer known for legendary titles like Half-Life and Portal.

Transitioning from local software development to global digital retail, Valve launched the Steam platform, which has become the dominant digital distribution hub for PC gaming worldwide. Unlike many of its competitors, Valve remains a privately held company, allowing it to operate independently of public market pressures.

Today, Valve continues to innovate both in software and hardware, having developed products like the Valve Index and the Steam Deck. Its manufacturing for hardware predominantly occurs through specialized facilities in the United States and global partners, while its digital services are managed from its American headquarters.