The article discusses Gabe Newell's reflections on the origins and unexpected success of Steam, Valve's digital distribution platform, during the 20th anniversary of Half-Life 2. Initially launched in 2003 to facilitate updates for Valve games, Steam was met with skepticism from the gaming industry, with 99% of companies believing it would fail. The turning point came when Valve decided to require Steam for Half-Life 2 in 2004, despite reservations from within the company. This bold move not only ensured the game's success but also inadvertently positioned Steam as a dominant force in PC gaming, leading to its evolution into the primary digital storefront for the platform.

Key Points:

• Steam was initially created for game updates, not as a distribution platform.
• Valve's decision to require Steam for Half-Life 2 caused significant controversy but was pivotal for its success.
• Industry skepticism was widespread; 99% of companies doubted the viability of online software distribution.
• The success of Half-Life 2 served as a "Trojan Horse" for Steam, encouraging broad adoption.
• Steam's dominance in PC gaming reflects both foresight and strategic decisions made by Valve.
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