Gabe Newell, a billionaire and co-founder of Valve Corporation – the company behind the Steam platform – just entered a new level of extravagance. In November 2025 he picked up his new superyacht called Leviathan, worth about $500 million. This 111-metre long colossus, built by the Dutch shipyard Oceanco, is not just a yacht – it is a floating paradise for players, scientists and luxury lovers. Leviathan was among the 50 longest yachts in the world, combining elements of an amusement park, a marine laboratory, and a five-star hotel.
From a player's dream to a sea empire
Newell, known as "Gaben" in the gaming community, has been investing in technology and innovation for years. Steam revolutionized video game distribution, making it one of the richest people in the tech industry. His fortune is estimated at billions of dollars, and Leviathan is the latest proof of how he likes to combine passions with business. The yacht, originally known as the Y722 design, was designed to accommodate 22 guests and 33 crew members. But that's not all – Newell was so fascinated with the construction process that in August 2025 he bought the entire Oceanco shipyard for about half a billion dollars. It's a movement that allows him to further experiment with marine innovations.
Leviathan is powered by a hybrid-electric system with azipods and battery capacity of 5.5 MWh, making it an ecological giant in the waters. The maximum speed is 18 knots, and the volume is over 5,000 tons. The yacht not only swims, but also supports scientific projects through the Inkfish organization, founded by Newell for marine research.
Extravagance on board: From game room to garage for submarines
What makes Leviathan a "gamer" at sea? The bridge features a gaming room with 15 gaming stations, each equipped with computers worth $20,000 each. Plus two racing simulators and comfortable seats for Newell's friends. This is the perfect place for marathons in Counter-Strike or Dota 2, while the ocean waves behind the window.
But entertainment is not all. The yacht offers two gyms, a 250-metre beach club with spa and bar, diving platforms, a basketball court and a sundeck with jacuzzi. For adventurers there is a garage for submarines, and even a small hospital on board – after all, safety is essential during a sea expedition. The interiors designed by Mark Berryman combine luxury with functionality: oak, wenge and durable materials like Bolidt synthetic boards.
Flying Laboratory: Learning Over Luxury
Leviathan is not just a rich man's toy. The yacht serves as a floating laboratory, equipped with a diving centre, a scientific laboratory and ocean research equipment. Newell, a science enthusiast, integrates his love for the sea here with the Inkfish mission. The crew has access to a workshop with 3D printers to manufacture spare parts, which emphasizes the practical aspect of the project. This is a unique combination: the luxury amusement park meets with serious research, inspiring crew and guests to cooperate.
Why does Leviathan attract attention?
In the world of billionaire yachts is a status symbol, but Leviathan stands out for Newell's vision. Buying Oceanco shows that it is not just about having – it is about shaping the future. In an era when tech-billionaires like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos invest in space, Newell chooses oceans. Is this the beginning of a new era of maritime innovation? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: Leviathan is more than a yacht – it is a floating manifesto of passion for games, science and luxury.
