Valve’s Gabe Newell Commissions $500 Million Superyacht Following steam Machine Reveal
Shortly after unveiling plans for the steam Machine, Valve Corporation’s president, Gabe Newell, commissioned a custom-built superyacht estimated to cost $500 million from Dutch shipbuilder Oceanco. The vessel, named Leviathan, boasts an array of luxury amenities and incorporates space for scientific research, signaling a significant personal investment for the gaming industry leader.
The timing of the yacht’s construction, revealed alongside recent announcements regarding Valve’s hardware initiatives, underscores Newell’s expansive ventures beyond software and game development. leviathan represents a confluence of personal luxury and scientific ambition, with over 2,000 individuals contributing to its creation and designated areas for the Starfish Neuroscience and Inkfish organizations. This project highlights the growing financial power within the gaming sector and the increasingly diverse interests of its key figures.
Oceanco describes Leviathan as the “most pleasant vessel ever created,” featuring two gyms, a spa, and multiple bars among its exclusive offerings. Newell himself praised the collaborative process with the Oceanco team, stating, “Working with the Oceanco team is incredibly enjoyable and fun; everyone is professional, creative and dynamic.” He further noted, “We knew we were asking for unusual things, and Oceanco welcomed them with open arms. Not only did we design a very unusual yacht that leverages oceanco’s strengths in innovation and design, but the team was also willing to work with us to evolve the process.”
Beyond its lavish features, Leviathan is designed to accommodate elements of scientific research, hosting a detachment from both Starfish Neuroscience and Inkfish. This integration of research facilities within a luxury vessel suggests Newell’s commitment to supporting advanced scientific exploration alongside his business endeavors.
