Valve is regarded as one of the most efficient companies worldwide, generating substantial revenue with a workforce numbering less than 500 employees. As the creator of Steam, the most widely used PC gaming platform, Valve’s success seems unwavering.

Founded in 1996, Valve initially gained attention for producing games, with the launch of Half-Life in 1998 marking a turning point. The introduction of Steam in 2003 shifted its focus to serving as a distribution platform for Half-Life 2 and subsequent titles, evolving into an open marketplace catering to PC game developers.

Recent estimates by Alinea Analytics suggest that Steam produced over $16 billion in revenue in 2025, a 5.7% increase from 2024. Valve’s earnings are also impressive; they are projected to take home around $4 billion this year with a modest employee count of approximately 350.

Valve continues to prosper, promising exciting new products, including a next-generation Steam Machine, a revamped Steam Controller, and an innovative Steam Frame virtual reality headset, all slated for release in the upcoming year.