Half-Life's innovative storytelling, immersive atmosphere, and engaging gameplay set a new standard for first-person shooters, influencing countless game developers and shaping the genre for years to come.

Steam revolutionized digital distribution, making it easier for developers to reach players and for players to access and manage their games. The platform's success paved the way for other digital distribution services and fundamentally changed the way games are bought and sold.

Valve has consistently supported modding, providing tools and resources for mod creators and integrating mods into its games. This support has fostered a vibrant modding community, which has contributed significantly to the longevity and popularity of Valve's games.

Valve has consistently pushed the boundaries of game technology, developing advanced graphics engines, physics systems, and AI algorithms. Their innovations have inspired other developers and have helped to advance the state of the art in gaming.

Gabe Newell and Valve have fostered a strong connection with the gaming community, engaging with players through forums, events, and social media. This community engagement has helped to build brand loyalty and to create a sense of ownership among players.

Valve is a major contributor to the growth of esports via titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota 2.