VIDEO: Let’s hear it for Gabe Newell
Matt Hawkins Why? Because he’s one of the main reasons why video games are so damn rad.
If you’ve played a good game in the past X number of years, it’s probably thanks to Gabe. First off, the dude co-founded Valve, which as we all know is the force behind Half-Life, Team Fortress, Left 4 Dead, and so much more.
Not many kids today are aware of this, but in the late 90s, gaming on the PC wasn’t looking so hot. There are several factors that made everyone feel that the consoles, which had finally caught up to personal computers in terms of technology and raw horsepower, were finally going to be the sole mode of gaming. Then along came Half Life 1, later followed by Half Life 2; not only did they change the perception of what gaming on a PC could be like, and breath new life into a platform, but inspired countless game creators on every side of the fence.
Not only that, but they even inspired those who played them, but creating forums of expression. The entire machinima scene would not be where it is today if not for Valve’s sandbox, and examples leading the way…
… Though their games have led to truly inspired game-playing as well…
Yet Gabe’s greatest invention is easily Steam, the content delivery system that we all pretty much take for granted. So many folks thought it would never work, but someone was finally able to break the stranglehold that brick and mortar game stores had on the marketplace. Honestly, without Valve and Steam leading the way, there might not be an Apple App Store.
Also, Gabe seems like a totally cool dude, hence why he’s so beloved on the internet (and not because he’s a somewhat awkward chubby guy; the internet can be mean sometimes, but not THAT mean)…
If you’re like, me pay tribute to the man himself by nabbing the Gabe Newell screensaver! Here’s how it looks in action…
For those interested, you can nab yours here.
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