Valve Video Games and Hardware

Valve Corporation is a pioneering force in the global gaming industry, famously known for its digital distribution platform, Steam, and legendary game franchises such as Half-Life, Portal, and Counter-Strike. Founded in 1996 in Kirkland, Washington, the company was established by former Microsoft employees Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington. Unlike many of its competitors, Valve has remained a private company, allowing it to maintain an atypical, flat management structure and a focus on long-term innovation rather than quarterly earnings.

While Valve is primarily a software and service provider, its hardware ventures—including the Steam Deck and Valve Index—have expanded its manufacturing footprint. Most of its hardware design and engineering takes place in the United States, though high-volume manufacturing often involves complex global supply chains with assembly primarily occurring in specialized facilities in Asia and North America. Today, Valve remains one of the most influential entities in PC gaming, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, and continuing to operate as an independent powerhouse without a traditional corporate parent.