Valve founder Gabe Newell continues to play Dota 2 daily as he enters his 60s, maintaining a decades-long obsession with the studio’s flagship MOBA despite frequently encountering toxic players in-game.
A Persistent Passion for Dota
Newell’s commitment to the game remains as strong as it was when he first became “obsessed” with the title back in 2011. Even as a semi-retired industry icon, he remains a fixture at The International, the game’s premier annual tournament. During the 2025 event, Newell addressed his ongoing participation, noting that he still faces criticism from teammates. “About once a week people say, ‘hey noob, uninstall the game,'” Newell remarked, noting that he views this aggressive enthusiasm as part of the game’s enduring energy.
From “Noob” to Veteran
The founder’s self-deprecating attitude toward his own skill level is nothing new. Reflecting on his experience back in 2011, after 800 hours of gameplay, he openly admitted to being a “noob.” At the time, he highlighted how Dota 2 stood out among the projects Valve developed, noting, “As a games developer you tend to get pretty tired of the thing you’re developing… Dota 2? Every day after we’re done working on the game, everyone goes home and plays it till two or three in the morning.”
The “Sticky” Nature of MOBAs
Newell has consistently praised the unique design loop of the MOBA genre. He describes the experience as a “complete RPG arc” compressed into 40 minutes, where players are constantly forming and shattering tactical plans. He also identified the “sticky” quality of the game—the psychological drive to re-queue regardless of whether the previous match was a victory or a crushing defeat.
For game designers, Newell believes Dota 2 offers essential lessons that bridge the gap between genres, from the mechanics of MMOs to the intensity of first-person shooters. This philosophy has clearly influenced Valve’s own trajectory, most notably with the development of Deadlock, a title that blends MOBA mechanics with shooter gameplay.
A History of Humility
Newell’s tendency to downplay his own gaming prowess dates back to the early days of Valve. In 1998, while discussing Half-Life, he admitted he was “not even close” to the best players in his own office, joking that he might need to create a strategy game just to boost his self-esteem. Decades later, his willingness to jump into the fray—and endure the occasional “noob” label from strangers—remains a testament to his genuine passion for the medium.
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