Valve co-founder Gabe Newell, affectionately known as "GabeN," is once again capturing global attention with a project of unimaginable scale. Following discussions sparked by new developments for the Steam Machine, his brand-new $500 million superyacht, "Leviathan," has officially been delivered, showcasing the reclusive billionaire's ambitious vision and cross-industry aspirations.
The "Leviathan" was built by Dutch luxury shipbuilder Oceanco, measuring an impressive 111 meters (364 feet) in length, making it one of the world's top 50 largest yachts. Newell reportedly acquired the shipbuilding company directly in August, with his deep commitment to oceanographic research cited as a key motivation for the deal. Oceanco's CEO stated that "Leviathan" is the company's "most comfortable and groundbreaking" vessel to date, with Newell personally involved in planning almost every detail.
This colossal yacht features an astonishing 280 miles of wiring, supporting a comprehensive array of facilities. These include an onboard hospital with permanent nursing staff, advanced satellite communication systems, a sophisticated air conditioning system, and a garage capable of housing submarines and smaller tenders. The entertainment options are equally astounding: the yacht boasts two gyms, a 250-square-meter private beach club, a spa, a bar, and a diving platform. It even includes a dedicated gaming room equipped with 15 high-end PCs, making it arguably the most luxurious mobile LAN party vessel on the planet.
As a long-standing figure in the tech industry known for his focus on research, Newell has seamlessly integrated yacht design with scientific exploration. The "Leviathan" features specially designed collaborative workspaces to support his neuro-interface company, Starfish Neuroscience, and the marine research organization Inkfish, in their at-sea research missions. The yacht itself incorporates extensive composite materials, replacing traditional wood to reduce maintenance costs, and is powered by a diesel-electric hybrid system with a large energy storage capacity, allowing it to operate in zero-emission mode for several hours.
The names of over 2,000 technicians and engineers involved in building the "Leviathan" are engraved on a transparent panel next to the main staircase, symbolizing the immense scale of the project. Newell's private quarters are designed with a minimalist yet luxurious aesthetic, including a private bathroom crafted with white ash and herringbone wood flooring.
Regarding this monumental creation, Newell expressed that his collaboration with the Oceanco team was "extremely enjoyable and creatively fulfilling," as they collectively challenged many traditional frameworks of yacht design. Oceanco, in turn, emphasized that "Leviathan" is not merely a luxury vessel but a "complete ecosystem" that integrates scientific research, interdisciplinary innovation, and life at sea.
"Leviathan" will join Newell's existing high-value fleet, but it is undoubtedly set to be the most prominent among them. Despite being nominally retired, Newell maintains a daily rhythm of working, diving, and engaging in new projects, and this superyacht serves as his mobile base for embarking on the next phase of his research.
via： PC Gamer