At least two users on Reddit have reported that they received Steam decks personally delivered by Valve head Gabe Newell, along with his signature on the included case. SeattleRainPidgeons User, posting to r/steam, claims to have seen Newell and a film crew deliver goods to their neighbors’ house. They greeted him, after which he asked how many people lived in their house and then gave them signed decks, despite the lack of pre-orders. I’m happy for them, but also very jealous.
Another user with the curious name bitfidler0 posted your account in the r/SteamDeck community, but he had a little less luck. They were skiing with friends all day, and their wife took delivery, not really knowing who Newell was. This is what you get for planning an outdoor activity with friends. On the plus side, bitfidler0 claims they didn’t have to pay to pre-order and that they got a higher spec version than they asked for to download.
Both accounts have been around for several years and do not appear to be related. Bitfidler0 posted a camera shot in front of the front door showing GabeN himself, masked and slightly blurry, but he definitely looks like the Valve boss. Another indication of the veracity of these stories is that the signature on both cases does indeed match previous example John Hancock of Newell shared on Reddit.
I wouldn’t get my hopes up on the prospect of Deus ex Gabena fulfilling your Steam deck dreams – it’s like a one-time promotional event in the Seattle area. I will say, however, that my door will always be open if they decide to take this show on tour. Usually, when a stranger rings my doorbell, it’s just a scammer impersonating my energy company.
