Valve is reportedly one of the most efficient companies in the world, producing a ton of revenue despite having fewer than 500 employees. As the maker of the most popular PC gaming platform around, Steam, it seems that Valve has no shortage of success.
Though Valve achieved most of its fame in the 2000s, the company is approaching its 30th anniversary, having been established in 1996. Initially, Valve focused on producing games, releasing Half-Life in 1998. In 2003, Valve would create Steam, which served as a distribution platform for Half-Life 2 and its later games. It’s since evolved into an open market for all PC game developers.
Valve Comments on Steam Machine Power
A Valve engineer comments on how powerful the upcoming Steam Machine system will be, and reveals the reasons behind its technical specs.
Valve May Be Making Almost $50 Million Per Employee, Per Year
Research firm Alinea Analytics has estimated that Steam has generated over $16 billion in revenue in 2025 alone, which as of November 13, is up 5.7% from what it earned in 2024. It’s estimated that Valve could reach $17 billion in revenue before the year’s end. After taking into account how much of the money Valve actually pockets from selling other companies’ games, it’s estimated that Valve has made $4 billion in 2025. What really sets these figures apart, though, is that it’s believed that Valve only has around 350 employees. However, as Valve is a private company that doesn’t release financial figures, these numbers are based on a combination of leaked data and information that’s been revealed by way of lawsuits, and hasn’t been confirmed by Valve itself.
Currently Supported Valve Products and Services
- Steam – Valve’s game distribution platform
- Steam Deck – Valve’s portable hybrid gaming console
- Counter-Strike 2
- Dota 2
- Half-Life: Alyx
- Team Fortress 2
Valve’s future also looks bright. In addition to upcoming game Deadlock, which doesn’t yet have a release window, the company recently revealed three new pieces of hardware coming from the company in 2026, which generated a ton of attention and hype. These include the new Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame. All three of these items are new iterations of prior Valve products, which had mixed levels of success.
The new Steam Controller has changed the design from the 2015 original, with two thumbsticks and two track pads, and the D-pad and face buttons have been moved to more closely align with most modern gaming controllers. The device also features gyro aiming, magnetic thumbsticks, and high definition rumble. Meanwhile, the new Steam Machine has a form factor closer to a GameCube than the original’s Xbox 360-like design, works like a PC and a game console, and generally has gamers talking, though there are some concerns about the potential cost of the console/PC hybrid. Lastly, the Steam Frame is the next virtual reality headset from Valve, building upon what the company learned with its prior headset, the Valve Index. The Steam Frame includes wireless and streaming capabilities akin to the Meta Quest line of headsets, and it can be modified and used freely, which may appeal to virtual reality enthusiasts that don’t like being stuck on a single platform.
It’s clear that Valve is doing quite well for itself, and 2026 could be a record-breaking year if these three new Steam products perform well. However, Valve could probably see even more success if it answered fans’ frequent requests for more meaningful updates to Team Fortress 2 and sequels in the Half-Life and Left 4 Dead franchises. Back in 2022, Valve’s product designer stated that multiple games were in development at the studio, though fans of the company know that it runs on “Valve Time,” so there’s no telling when any of those projects will be made public.
- Date Founded
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August 24, 1996
- Headquarters
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Bellevue, Washington, United States
- CEO
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Gabe Newell
- Subsidiaries
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Campo Santo
