In a surprising and intimate interview, Valve co-founder Gabe Newell revealed new details about his daily routine, offering fans a rare window into the life of one of gaming’s most elusive legends. Known for avoiding the spotlight, Newell chose to speak with a little-known YouTuber named Zalkar Saliev, whose channel had only 19 subscribers at the time of the recording.
The full interview, now confirmed as legitimate by PC Gamer, is available on YouTube, and features the Steam mastermind discussing personal habits, hobbies, and current projects at Valve and beyond.
🎮 Rare Access to a Gaming Icon
Gabe Newell is not known for frequent media appearances. In fact, his reputation for privacy is so strong that earlier this year, unverified rumors about his obsession with Stalker 2 went viral simply because fans are eager for any insight into his life.
This latest interview breaks that silence.
🌊 Scuba Diving, Gaming, and Working Out
According to Newell, his day often starts without an alarm. Once awake, he engages in activities that keep both his mind and body active, including:
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Scuba diving, a surprising but long-standing hobby of his
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Working out, which he says keeps him balanced
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Gaming, both for leisure and to keep up with player trends
Newell also emphasized how much of his time is spent testing and discussing new technologies, especially involving VR and brain-computer interfaces, which he believes are key to the future of gaming.
🧠 Creative Flow Over Corporate Structure
When asked about his work life, Newell explained that he avoids rigid schedules, preferring to “go with the flow” and engage in whatever project he feels most passionate about. “A lot of my day is spent being curious,” he said. “It’s the curiosity that keeps things moving at Valve.”
He highlighted Valve’s unique flat organizational model as a key reason why this freedom works so well. “We don’t do job titles or hierarchies. We just solve problems,” he noted.
🤝 Why a YouTuber with 19 Subscribers?
Perhaps the most intriguing part of this interview is Newell’s choice of interviewer. Zalkar Saliev, a relatively unknown content creator, posted the interview with little fanfare—but the content quickly exploded after validation from trusted sources.
For fans of Valve, this move isn’t too shocking. Gabe has a long history of direct interactions with fans, often replying to emails and making unconventional public appearances. Choosing a small creator like Saliev could reflect his values of authenticity and accessibility.
While Gabe Newell’s daily routine might not mirror the hustle culture of other tech executives, it offers a fascinating look at how a relaxed, curiosity-driven lifestyle fuels one of gaming’s most influential minds.
From scuba diving to software architecture, Gabe Newell continues to shape the gaming world—not from the boardroom, but from wherever his next creative spark takes him.