Early Life and Education of Gabe Newell: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Gabe Newell. From birth to education, explore key events.

Gabe Logan Newell, also known as Gaben, is a prominent American figure in the video game industry. As the president and co-founder of Valve Corporation, he has been instrumental in the development of iconic games and the creation of the Steam platform. Steam revolutionized digital distribution and became a dominant force in the PC gaming market. Newell's leadership has shaped the landscape of modern gaming, influencing game development, distribution, and community engagement.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 3, 1962: Gabe Newell Born

On November 3, 1962, Gabe Logan Newell, later known as Gaben, was born. He would become a prominent American video game developer and businessman, as well as the president and co-founder of Valve Corporation.

Others born on this day/year

1971: First Game Played

In 1971, Gabe Newell played the Burroughs mainframe version of Star Trek, which was the first game he ever played.

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1980: Enrolls at Harvard University

In 1980, Gabe Newell enrolled at Harvard University.

1983: Drops Out of Harvard to Join Microsoft

In 1983, Gabe Newell dropped out of Harvard University to work at Microsoft.

1993: Doom Release

In 1993, id Software developed and released the first-person shooter game Doom.

1995: Windows 95 vs Doom

In late 1995, it was estimated that Doom, created by id Software, had more installations than Microsoft's Windows 95 operating system. Newell stated that id's distribution methods using bulletin boards was a "lightning bolt".

August 24, 1996: Valve Corporation Founded

On August 24, 1996, Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington founded the video game company Valve, inspired by Michael Abrash's move from Microsoft to id Software.

1996: Founded Valve Corporation

In 1996, Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington left Microsoft to establish Valve Corporation, initiating the development of their first game, Half-Life.

2000: Harrington Leaves Valve

In 2000, Mike Harrington sold his stake in Valve to Gabe Newell and subsequently left the company.

2004: Half-Life 2 Development

In 2004, Gabe Newell gave Valve a "virtually unlimited" budget for the development of Half-Life 2, promising to fund it himself if necessary.

2006: Cornea Transplant

In 2006, Gabe Newell underwent a cornea transplant to treat Fuchs' dystrophy.

2007: Second Cornea Transplant

In 2007, Gabe Newell had a second cornea transplant to fully cure his Fuchs' dystrophy.

2011: Favorite Video Games Mentioned

In 2011, Gabe Newell mentioned his favorite video games, including Super Mario 64 and Doom.

2019: Divorce from Lisa Mennet

In 2019, Gabe Newell and Lisa Mennet divorced.

October 2020: Applies for Residency in New Zealand

In October 2020, Gabe Newell applied for permanent residency in New Zealand.

2020: Heart of Racing and Space Gnome

In 2020, Gabe Newell and Yahn Bernier created the Heart of Racing car racing team to raise funds for children's charities. Also in 2020, Newell collaborated with Weta Workshop and Rocket Lab to launch a gnome figure from Half-Life 2: Episode Two into space for charity, donating $1 for every view of the launch video.

December 2021: Newell's Net Worth and Ownership in Valve

In December 2021, Forbes estimated that Gabe Newell had a net worth of $3.9 billion and owned at least one quarter of Valve. According to Charlie Fish, he was the richest person in the video game industry.