Presumably bored with working on Windows NT and Microsoft Word, or maybe just rich from their Microsoft stock options, ex Microserfs Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington decided to set up Valve to produce cutting edge computer games. Their debut release, Half Life, indicates that it was an extremely wise decision.

Valve is based in Kirkland, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. And comprises a team with such incredible and illustrious experience that we can't even begin to go into it here. This is certainly a development company to watch!

Today, Valve comprises over 50 of the industry's leading artists, programmers, and writers. In the company's six-year history, it has risen from "unlikely new entry" to industry leader - producing a string of best-selling, critically-acclaimed PC entertainment products.

Software Highlights from Credited Titles

Valve's first work that SPOnG is aware of is the 1998 title, "Half-Life" (PC).

The company has been involved titles released on the PS3, Xbox 360, PS2, PC and Xbox. Of these, "Half-Life: Blue Shift" (PC), "Half-Life 2" (PC), "Half-Life 2" (Xbox), "Half-Life 2: Episode One" (PC), "The Orange Box" (Xbox 360) has been a best selling title.

The company is currently involved with the forthcoming 2009 release "Left 4 Dead 2" (Xbox 360).

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