Microsoft has spent the past couple of weeks making deals and tendering offers just so it can close its $70 billion buyout of Activision Blizzard. Lately, Microsoft gave Sony a 10-year guarantee that Call of Duty will remain on its platforms. It gave Nintendo the same offer, as well as Valve.
But, while Nintendo and Sony might need a formal agreement, Gabe Newell doesn't care for it at all.
In a statement sent to Kotaku, Newell expressed his delight that "Microsoft wants to continue using Steam to reach customers with Call of Duty when their Activision acquisition closes." He also mentioned that the two companies have worked together for a long time, emphasizing that it is Valve's job to keep "all Steam customers and partners" happy, not just Microsoft. Later on in the statement is when Newell goes full Valve, saying: Microsoft offered and even sent us a draft agreement for a long-term Call of Duty commitment but it wasn't necessary for us because a) we're not believers in requiring any partner to have an agreement that locks them to shipping games on Steam into the distant future b) Phil and the games team at Microsoft have always followed through on what they told us they would do so we trust their intentions and c) we think Microsoft has all the motivation they need to be on the platforms and devices where Call of Duty customers want to be. TLDR; Newell knows Valve is where everyone's at and Microsoft will continue to do what is in its best interest.