Many gamers experience insults while playing online, and Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, is no exception. Recently, he shared some of the taunts he has encountered while playing one of Valve’s games.

Gabe Newell is a notable figure among Steam users and fans of Valve games. Not only does he engage with fans, but he is also the subject of many memes, sometimes joining in on the humor himself. His approachable demeanor is evident even in competitive online games such as ones made by Valve.

Gabe Newell Confronts Trash-Talking in Valve Games

During the opening ceremony for Dota 2’s annual tournament, The International, on September 11, 2025, Gabe shared a video discussing his appreciation for the game and its community. He humorously mentioned that he receives trash-talk from other players, with common comments urging him to uninstall the game or disparaging his skills. Despite this, he maintains an upbeat outlook, interpreting the trash-talking as a sign of enthusiasm for the game, admitting that he plays Dota 2 daily because of the supportive community.

Gabe’s lighthearted approach to harassment may not surprise some fans, as he has previously demonstrated a great sense of humor. Even though he faces vitriol from some players, Newell sees the positives in these interactions instead of letting them affect him emotionally. Dota 2 forms part of his routine, and outside of work with Valve, he is also busy with various personal interests including scuba diving and exercise, describing his work life as ‘super awesome.’