Valve
[edit / edit wiki text] Material from Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
The current version of the page has not yet been checked by experienced participants and may differ significantly from the version checked on February 15, 2016; checks require 2 edits.
The current version of the page has not yet been checked by experienced participants and may differ significantly from the version checked on February 15, 2016; checks require 2 edits.
Go to: navigation, Search
Coordinates: 47°36 '51" s.
w.
122°11'38" s.
d. / 47.614028° s.
w.
122.194015° s.
d. / 47.614028; -122.194015 (G) (O) Show a geographical map
Valve Corporation
Type private company
Foundation 1996
Founders Gabe Newell Mike Harrington
Location USA USA: Bellevue, Washington, Seattle
Key figures Gabe Newell (Co founder and Managing Director)
Industry computer games industry
Products are a series of Half Life games.
A series of Portal games.
A series of Counter Strike games.
A series of Team Fortress games.
A series of games Left 4 Dead.
The Dota 2 game.
GoldSrc, Source and Source 2 game engines[1].
SOFTWARE: Steam, VAC, SteamOS, SteamVR JSC: Steam Machines, Steam Controller.
(see the full list of products)
Turnover : 2.5 billion US dollars (2012) [2]
Operating profit: US $ 1 billion (2012) [2]
Assets : US $ 2.5 billion (2012) [2]
Number of employees 400[3]
Subsidiaries of Valve S. a. r.
l., Luxembourg
Website valvesoftware.com
Valve Corporation (formerly Valve Software) is an American computer game developer company that created a series of computer games Half Life, Portal, Counter Strike, Team Fortress, Day of Defeat, Left 4 Dead, Ricochet, Alien Swarm and Dota 2; game engines GoldSrc, Source, Source 2; software: Steam, Valve Anti Cheat, SteamOS, SteamVR; as well as hardware: Steam Machines, Steam Controller.
It was founded on August 24, 1996 by former Microsoft employees Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington[4].
It is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, USA[5].
Content
[remove]
1 History 1.1 Foundation and Half Life 1.2 Creating your own Engine and Ending Half Life 1.3 Release of the latest single player games 1.4 Multiplayer Games and Steam development 1.5 Capturing the living room 1.6 Developing a virtual reality helmet
2 Company Products 2.1 Games
3 Corporate culture of the company 3.1 Ideology 3.2 Anarchic structure 3.3 Problems of the approach
4 Audience and capitalization 5 Notes 6 References 7 References
History[edit / edit wiki text]
Foundation and Half Life[edit / edit wiki text]
After thirteen years of working at Microsoft, Gabe Newell, together with Mike Harrington, founded Valve Software in 1996[4], under the patronage of Sierra Studios.
To simplify it, a license for the Quake game engine was purchased, after which a one and a half year development of the Half Life (HL) game began[4].
The working title of the game was "Quiver" [6].
Professional science fiction writer Mark Laidlaw was invited to work on the script[7].
The game became a science fiction three dimensional first person shooter[4].
Gabe and Mike wanted to create something similar to DOOM, the same dark creation[4][6].
The game has received more than fifty publishing awards, including the title "The Best Game of All Time" [6][8].
The game was first demonstrated at E3 in 1997, and became a real hit of the exhibition.
The game was planned to be released in 1997, but the release took place on October 31, 1998.
The game became a landmark and brought fame to the developer.
Next, Valve focused on the development of the SDK, which was released in April 1999.
Min Lee, together with the developer hiding under the nickname "Cliffea", use it to create a modification of HL Counter Strike (CS) [6], a multiplayer shooter based on the idea of opposing a terrorist group and a special police unit.
The game has become one of the leading esports disciplines[4].
Creating Your Own Engine and ending Half Life[edit / edit wiki text]
The success of the game inspired the company and it immediately [8] began to create a game no less large scale than its predecessor[6].
The entire development was kept under the strictest secrecy[6].
After 5 years of development, Half Life 2 was presented at E3 2003[6][8].
The game was made on a new game engine the Source Engine[8], because the graphic part, at that time, was out of competition[6].
Almost all objects in the game could be moved and deformed[6].
The game took the first place on the site metacritic.com in the list of the Best games of all time[9][10].
The new engine became an excellent help for modders and promised the company eternal youth at this expense[8].
And the company was counting on the community: an SDK, documentation and a set of utilities were provided[8].
The company wanted to concentrate modders on innovations and gameplay, and did everything possible for this[8].
The game does not use, but is implemented in the engine, for example, the change of day and night and deformation[8].
But showing and releasing a game are different things.
The game was not released in September 2003, as promised[11].
On the contrary, the release of the game was already postponed for an unknown time[11].
But there was a leak and the HL2 demo version got into open access[11].
This situation almost killed the company, but it did not give up, found the money and the release took place on November 16, 2004[11], collecting more than 30 "Game of the Year" awards[12].
According to the founder — Gabe Newel—, the company decided that it was not worth keeping the fans waiting for another six years, because the model of creating episodes was taken, which allowed producing no less high quality games in just a year and a half[13].
Release of the latest single games[edit / edit wiki text]
The final stage and a crushing blow to competitors[14] On October 9, 2007, Valve released The Orange Box[15], which included the following games[16]: Half Life 2, Half Life 2: Episode One, Half Life 2: Episode Two, Portal and Team Fortress 2.
The collection was simultaneously delivered for PC, PS 3 and Xbox 360[14].
As a special feature for all these games, an achievement service was developed (similar to the achievements on the Xbox 360), which worked through the Steam service and was available for implementation in games distributed through the service[17].
There was also its own social network Steam Community -, also based on Steam, for this purpose, personal profiles were implemented, the ability to add friends and an in service chat was finalized[source not specified 422 days].
Multiplayer Games and Steam Development[edit / edit wiki text]
On November 18, 2008, the game Left 4 Dead was released.
On March 5, 2010, Portal 2 was announced.
On July 19, 2010, the third person network shooter Alien Swarm was released.
On April 19, 2011, Portal 2 was released.
On August 21, 2012, Counter Strike: Global Offensive was released.
In 2011, Valve announced that it would release a multiplayer Dota 2 game, which will be a continuation of the modification for WarCraft 3.
The main developer of this modification, better known under the nickname IceFrog, also joined the company.
Capturing the living room[edit / edit wiki text]
See also: SteamOS, Steam Machines and Steam Controller
On September 23, the company published the SteamOS operating system based on Debian[18][19].
This was the first of three stages to "capture" the living rooms[to clarify] Valve.
As a first step in helping the Debian community, Valve has made it possible for all Debian developers to download the company's games for free[18].
SteamOS uses the Big Picture mode user interface[19].
The operating system will be delivered in a Steam Machines mini computer, however, this free OS will also be released separately for independent installations[19], which will allow third party companies to create their own devices for SteamOS[19].
This operating system has the ability to broadcast to a TV from a stationary PC, access to the Steam Cloud (access to all purchased games from any device using a single account)[19].
The operating system is capable, in addition to games, of playing audio and video files[20].
Music is officially distributed through the Steam client and the audio player is built directly into the client[21].
The interface is available in Steam Overlay mode[21].
At the end of 2014, only basic playback capabilities were provided, but, for example, it is possible to create a playlist[21].
Both local audio files on the user's machine and soundtracks from games purchased on Steam are available for playback[21].
In honor of the opening, Valve made free music albums of the games of the Half Life and Portal series and the documentary film Free to Play[21].
One of the stages of capturing the living room was the release of a video set top box and a controller for it[22].
Development of a virtual reality helmet[edit / edit wiki text]
On March 1, 2015, Valve Corporation presented the SteamVR virtual reality helmet at the Mobile World Congress, which was developed jointly with HTC.
The start of the sale is November 2015[the source is not specified 161 days].
Company products[edit / edit wiki text]
Main article: List of Valve products
Games[edit / edit wiki text]
At the end of the twentieth century, Valve released 7 games: in 1998, the demo version of "Half Life: Day One", followed by a full — fledged game — "Half Life"; in 1999, the demo version of" Half Life: Uplink"," Half Life: Opposing Force "and the original" Team Fortress Classic"; in 2000, thanks to the possibility of modifying the engine, the mod" Counter Strike "and the novelty - "Ricochet".
At the beginning of the noughties, additions to past successful releases were released: in 2001, "Half Life: Blue Shift", "Half Life: Decay" and "Deathmatch Classic"; in 2003, the original game "Day of Defeat"and the version for slot machines "Counter Strike Neo".
The year 2004 marked the beginning of a new era in the Valve camp — with the release of the new Source engine, such games as "Half Life 2" and its multiplayer network modification — "Half Life 2: Deathmatch"were released.
The "Counter Strike" line has been updated: a new product called " Counter Strike: Condition Zero "and, separately, cut scenes from it — "Counter Strike: Condition Zero Deleted Scenes".
Also released on the new engine are "Counter Strike: Source" and "Half Life: Source".
In the mid noughties, old games were re released on a new engine and the continuation of the HL story: in 2005, "Day of Defeat: Source", "Half Life 2: Lost Coast" and "Half Life Deathmach: Source"; in 2006, "Half Life 2: Survivor"and" Half Life 2: Episode One".
In 2007, the so called "Orange Box" was released, a collection that also included three new games: "Half Life 2: Episode Two", "Team Fortress 2"and " Portal".
At the end of the noughties, in addition to new games, sequels and add ons were released, and games were created specifically for the Asian market: in 2008, "Portal: Still Alive", "Counter Strike Online", "Left 4 Dead"; in 2009, "Left 4 Dead 2" and "Left 4 Dead: Survival Pack DLC "with" Left 4 Dead: Crash Course DLC".
In 2010, he became rich in additions to L4D of two generations: "Left 4 Dead: The Sacrifice DLC", "Left 4 Dead 2: The Passing DLC" and "Left 4 Dead 2: The Sacrifice DLC"; however, there is also a novelty - "Alien Swarm".
In the early 2010s, the company releases even more games: in 2011, the continuation of "Portal 2" and additions to it "Portal 2: Peer Review DLC", and "Portal 2: Sixense MotionPack DLC"; in 2012, the additions "Left 4 Dead 2: Cold Stream DLC", "Portal 2: Perpetual Testing Initiative DLC", as well as a new game — "Counter Strike: Global Offensive"; in 2013, the novelty "Dota 2" and "Counter Strike Online 2".
In 2014, Valve did not release any separate game product, with the exception of the Left 4 Dead 2 — Uncensored supplement, released to the Australian public.
Corporate culture of the company[edit / edit wiki text]
Ideology[edit / edit wiki text]
According to Gabe, hierarchy is inappropriate and useless in the technology industry, there is no need for formal management and career growth[23].
In an interview with The New York Times, Greek Coomer (one of the first employees) doubted that Newell was the CEO, but noted that technically, he most likely is[23].
In the manual for Valve beginners, it is written that Gabe Newell, among others, is not the boss to the greatest extent[23].
Anarchic structure[edit / edit wiki text]
The anarchic structure of the company can make even the technical head of the company — Gabe dream as much as he wants, but not to promote the project, due to the lack of willing employees to deal with it[23].
Employees independently form working groups, luring each other from project to project[23].
Among themselves, the group only decides who will become the current leader, who will keep in mind all the information about the project and coordinate it[23].
Valve encourages frequent changes in the composition of groups so that they are not absorbed by the bureaucracy, and they remain on the user's side[23].
This approach is manifested, in particular, in the fact that the tables of all employees are equipped with wheels — this simplifies constant movement[23].
Problems of the approach[edit / edit wiki text]
Michael Abrash noted that in the first weeks, colleagues assumed that he should look at some area, after which he began to think differently: to think that he would do something valuable for the company, which no one is doing yet[23].
After that, he began to create virtual reality glasses[23].
This freedom makes it extremely difficult to find new employees[23].
In fact, the entire company is aimed at finding new recruits, potential employees are regularly called for interviews[23].
The company is attracted by people with rich experience, "better than others in this business"[23].
For example, the company employed a Greek economist, Yanis Varoufakis, who was hired because Gabe liked his blog about the European financial crisis; a former puppet theater artist; a creator of special effects for the films "The Lord of the Rings" and "King Kong"[23].
The company values people who are able to simplify or quickly solve a problem, as well as clearly explain exactly how they did it[23].
Such a system can exist only if the company is completely independent[23].
Independence from publishers is provided by the Steam service, which makes Valve itself a publisher.
The company was founded without investors, and at the end of 2014, all assets were held by the company's employees[23].
According to Newell, if things go badly, the company will be dissolved, not sold[23].
The lack of hierarchy creates problems for employees outside the corporation: they have to invent positions for themselves in order to be taken seriously[23].
Audience and capitalization[edit / edit wiki text]
According to Forbes magazine, at the time of 2011, the Steam store's audience was 30 million people[9].
As of 2011, the service accounts for 50-70 % of the four billion (in US dollars) online game distribution market[9].
Valve's financial performance is unknown, but according to the founder — Gabe the company is "extremely profitable" [9].
In October 2011, the press service of the corporation announced a record profit for Valve, which exceeded the profit of the previous year by 200% [9].
According to Forbes, Valve is estimated by various sources in the range from 2 to 4 billion US dollars[9].
In 2012, Michael Pachter, in an article in the New York Times, estimated the corporation at $ 2.5 billion [24].
Mikhail Khomich claimed on the pages of Kommersant that the company's net profit for 2013 amounted to about 1 billion US dollars[4].
Notes[edit / edit wiki text]
↑ Show compactly
↑ Langley, Hugh.
Valve just announced its plans for Steam Machines... and Source 2, Tech Radar (March 3, 2015).
Checked on March 3, 2015.
↑ Go to: 1 2 3 Wingfield, Nick.
Game Maker Without a Rule Book / / The New York Times.
— 2012.
↑ Why Valve?
Or, what do we need corporations for and how does Valve’s management structure fit into today’s corporate world?
| Valve.
Verified on April 29, 2014.
↑ Go to: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The history of Valve, or Success from the first game.
— 2014.
↑ contact.
— "Postal address: PO BOX 1688 Bellevue, WA 98009" Checked on June 18, 2014.
↑ Go to: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 The history of Valve.
↑ Our people.
— "creating the Half Life storyline" Checked on December 28, 2014.
↑ Go to: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Gambling ↑ Go to: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Chan, Oliver Half a Lifetime for the game // Forbes.
↑ Best PC Video Games of All Time - Metacritic.
Verified on December 27, 2014.
↑ Go to: 1 2 3 4 Gambling Addiction: Theft ↑ Half Life 2.
The best game of the year.
Collector's edition.
Verified on December 28, 2014.
↑ The first of a trilogy of Half Life episodes will debut in the first position.
Verified on December 28, 2014.
Перейти Go to: 1 2 Oleg Stavitsky, Georgy Kurgan, Igor Varnavsky The Orange Box (Half Life 2: Episode Two, Portal and Team Fortress 2) / / Igromania: magazine.
— 2007.
Interview // Interview with Gabe Newell to the Game Informer website.
Verified on December 29, 2014.
↑ Half Life 2: The Orange Box.
Verified on December 29, 2014.
↑ Let the Achievement Hunt Continue.
Verified on December 29, 2014.
Перейти Go to: 1 2 Valve has provided Debian developers with the opportunity to download games from Steam for free.
↑ Go to: 1 2 3 4 5 Valve has announced the SteamOS operating system based on Linux.
Val Valve has announced its own operating system.
↑ Go to: 1 2 3 4 5 The Steam client has got a music player.
Verified on December 26, 2014.
Val Valve introduced a controller without sticks.
↑ Go to: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Management of the future.
How the most innovative company in the world works.
↑ Game Maker Without a Rule Book.
— 2012.
Links[edit / edit wiki text]
The official website of Valve Corporation The Steam universe will expand in 2014.
Verified on December 25, 2014.
Literature[edit / edit wiki text]
Bosses and managers are no longer needed: anarchy as a technology.
Alexander Tarakanov The history of the creation of Half Life // LKI: magazine.
— 2006.
— № 3 (52).
Valve Corporation, David SJ Hodgson.
Half Life 2: Raising the Bar.
— Prima Games, 2004.
— ISBN 0-7615-4364-3.
Yuri Ilyin.
Game engines: Valve GoldSrc and Source.
— Mir3D.
— 2010.
The Source Engine from Valve Software.
The flame engine of Half Life 2.
Half Life 2: The Theft of the Century.
Half Life Inside: the official Russian fansite of the game.
Verified on December 29, 2014.
<img src="//ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAutoLogin/start?type=1x1" alt="" title="" width="1" height="1" style="border: none; position: absolute;" />
Source — "https://ru.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Va lve&oldid=76703575»
Categories: Companies alphabetically Companies founded in 1996 Computer game manufacturers USA Valve Computer game publishers
Hidden categories: Wikipedia:Articles with redefinition of the value from Wikidata Wikipedia:No sources since December 2014 Wikipedia:Articles with statements without sources for more than 14 days Articles that require clarity Wikipedia:No sources since September 2015
Navigation
Personal Tools
You did not introduce yourself to the system Discussion Contribution Create an account Log in
Namespaces
Article Discussion
Variants
Views
Read Current version Edit Edit wiki text History
More
Search
Navigation
Title Page Heading Index A Z Selected articles Random article Current Events
Participation
Report a bug Community Portal Forum Recent edits New pages Help Donate
Tools
Links Here Related Edits Special Pages Permalink Page Information Wikidata element Quote Page
Print/Export
Create a book Download as PDF Printable version
In other projects
Wikimedia Commons Wikidata
In other languages
العربية Azərbaycanca / Bulgarian Català Čeština Dansk Deutsch Ελληνικά English Esperanto Español Eesti Euskara فارسی Suomi Français Galego עברית Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Italiano 日本語 ქართული Kazakh 한국어 Lietuvių Macedonian Bahasa Melayu Nederlands Norsk nynorsk Norsk bokmål Polski Português Română Slovenscina Simple English Slovenčina Türkçe Ukrainian Shqip Svenska Tiếng Việt 中文
Edit links
Last modified on this page: 07: 31, February 24, 2016.
The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike license; in some cases, additional conditions may apply.
For more information, see Terms of use.
Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the non profit organization Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
Contact us
Privacy Policy Wikipedia Description Disclaimer Developers Cookie Agreement Mobile Version
