Gabe Newell, billionaire co-founder of Valve Corporation, the company behind the Steam platform, has just reached a new level of extravagance. In November 2025 he took delivery of his new superyacht, Leviathan, worth around $500 million. The 111-metre giant, built by the Dutch shipyard Oceanco, is no ordinary yacht. It is a floating paradise for gamers, scientists and lovers of luxury. Leviathan ranks among the 50 longest yachts in the world, combining elements of a theme park, a marine laboratory and a five-star hotel.
From a gamer’s dream to a maritime empire
Newell, known as „Gaben” in the gaming community, has for years invested in technology and innovation. Steam revolutionised the distribution of video games, making him one of the wealthiest 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 his passions with business. The yacht, originally known as Project Y722, was designed for the comfort of 22 guests and 33 crew members. But that is not all: Newell was so fascinated by the construction process that in August 2025 he bought the entire Oceanco shipyard for around half a billion dollars. This move allows him to pursue further experiments with marine innovation.
Leviathan is powered by a hybrid-electric system with azipods and a 5.5 MWh battery, making it an eco-friendly giant on the water. Its maximum speed is 18 knots, and its displacement exceeds 5,000 tonnes. The yacht does not only sail; it also supports scientific projects through Inkfish, an organisation founded by Newell for marine research.
Onboard extravagance: from a game room to a garage for submarines
What makes Leviathan a „gamer” at sea? On the bridge deck there is a game room with 15 gaming stations, each equipped with computers worth $20,000 apiece. There are also two racing simulators and comfortable seats for Newell’s friends. It is the perfect place for marathon sessions of Counter-Strike or Dota 2, while the ocean rolls past the window.
But entertainment is not everything. The yacht offers two gyms, a 250-metre beach club with a spa and a bar, diving platforms, a basketball court and a sundeck with a jacuzzi. For lovers of adventure there is a garage for a submarine, and even a small hospital on board, because safety is essential during maritime expeditions. The interiors, designed by Mark Berryman, combine luxury with functionality: oak, wenge and durable materials such as Bolidt synthetic decking.
A floating laboratory: science above luxury
Leviathan is not just a rich man’s toy. The yacht serves as a floating laboratory, equipped with a diving centre, a science lab and equipment for ocean research. Newell, a passionate advocate of science, brings his love of the sea together with the Inkfish mission here. The crew has access to a workshop with 3D printers for producing spare parts, which highlights the practical side of the project. It is a unique combination: a luxury theme park meets serious research, inspiring crew and guests to collaborate.
Why is Leviathan attracting attention?
In the world of billionaires, yachts are a symbol of status, but Leviathan stands out thanks to Newell’s vision. The purchase of Oceanco shows that it is not only about ownership, but about shaping the future. In an era when tech billionaires such as Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos invest in space, Newell is choosing the oceans. Is this the beginning of a new era of marine innovation? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: Leviathan is more than a yacht. It is a floating manifesto of a passion for games, science and luxury.
