I really like Valve Software. Not only do they make great games, but they have a reputation for treating people well and keeping things in perspective. Their website has always been simple and efficient, they are innovative and supportive of smaller developers, and they are helping to fix the broken game publication and distribution system with Steam. I found this quote the other day in response to some Valve-doomsayers, and wanted to share it:

“I drive away from the company that was built from the royalties we made on Steam, in my sports car paid for by the royalties we make on Steam, to the home that I pay for with the royalties we make on Steam. If that’s exploitation, I’ll take a little more.”  - John Gibson, president of Tripwire Interactive, makers of Red Orchestra and Killing Floor, on whether Valve is exploiting small game developers via the Steam distribution platform.

Source : http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3176474