Valve founder and billionaire Gabe Newell revealed he continues to play Dota 2 daily, even as he frequently encounters toxic players who tell him to “uninstall the game” during matches.
The Billionaire Gamer
Despite managing a multi-billion dollar fortune and his well-known passion for yachting, Newell maintains a humble gaming routine. During the opening of The International 2025, the massive Dota 2 tournament currently underway in Germany, Newell shared his perspective on the often-hostile nature of online gaming communities.
“That’s Just Their Enthusiasm”
Addressing the community during the event, Newell brushed off the insults he receives in chat. “Sure, people talk sh*t at me in chat, and about once a week people say, ‘hey noob, uninstall the game,'” Newell admitted. However, he views these interactions through a unique lens: “That’s really about their enthusiasm, and the energy that they bring, and that’s why, after all these years, I still play Dota every day.”
A Legacy of Competition
Newell reflected on the evolution of the title, noting that the inaugural International held in Cologne 14 years ago fundamentally changed his relationship with the game. “Before that first International, I really enjoyed the game. But after The International, I loved the game,” he stated. He emphasized that his continued dedication is driven not just by the mechanics of the MOBA, but by the community that has grown around it since its inception.
Steam Updates and Future Outlook
Beyond his personal gaming habits, Valve continues to iterate on its ecosystem. The company recently rolled out a significant update to the Steam client, finally introducing highly requested features such as improved UI scaling. As the tournament continues in Germany, Newell remains a fixture in the community he helped build, proving that even at the helm of a gaming empire, the experience of being “flamed” in an online lobby is a universal equalizer.
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