### Valve’s Charming Custom: Chocolates for Accomplished Developers During Christmas
The festive period brings with it the spirit of generosity, and for game developers on Steam, it can also mean delightful surprises—particularly in the form of chocolates. For many years, Valve, the entity behind the Steam platform, has been subtly spreading festive joy by dispatching chocolate packages to thriving game developers. This considerate action has evolved into a cherished custom within the gaming community, illustrating Valve’s gratitude for the imaginative talents that help its platform flourish.
#### A Delectable Surprise for Developers
This heartwarming tradition resurfaced recently when a developer from the indie studio Foulball Hangover, known for the popular sandbox game *Hydroneer*, showcased their yearly chocolate bounty on Reddit. According to the post, the studio has been enjoying these festive goodies from Valve every holiday season for over four years now. The post quickly caught the attention of many, with numerous users lauding Valve’s distinctive manner of recognizing the efforts of developers.
One Reddit user playfully remarked that they were tempted to create a game just to receive the chocolates, while others pondered the criteria for being chosen for Valve’s chocolate distribution. After all, with thousands of titles launched on Steam annually, not every developer can anticipate this sugary acknowledgment.
#### Not All Developers Receive the Chocolates
Though the tradition is delightful, it seems not every developer qualifies for the festive confections. As one Redditor observed, there likely exists a minimum success threshold for a game to earn its chocolate package. This logic follows considering the enormous influx of games on Steam. In just 2024, close to 19,000 new titles were added, and by the early days of 2025, over 75 new games had already made their debut.
Nevertheless, the inclusion of indie studios like Foulball Hangover in the tradition underscores Valve’s dedication to acknowledging developers of all scales. It’s not solely the high-budget AAA studios that are recognized; even smaller teams attaining success on the platform receive their due.
#### A Time-Honored Tradition
This isn’t the first occasion Valve’s chocolate practice has drawn attention. Seven years back, a developer from *Clicker Heroes* shared a comparable tale on Reddit, revealing that their entire team received a massive chocolate shipment from Valve. These instances suggest that the tradition has persisted for quite some time, subtly fostering goodwill among developers.
#### Valve’s 30% Share: Beyond Mere Commerce
The 30% revenue cut Valve takes from games sold on Steam has sparked considerable debate in the gaming world. While some developers contend that the platform’s share is excessive, others commend Valve for the tools, services, and exposure it offers in exchange. The chocolate tradition adds a personal dimension to this business dynamic, illustrating that Valve appreciates the developers who enrich its ecosystem.
For developers, the gift of chocolates from Valve transcends a mere holiday treat—it’s an emblem of acknowledgment and gratitude. It signifies that their dedication and creativity do not go unnoticed, even by a colossal company like Valve.
#### A Sugary Welcome to the New Year
While gamers dive into their ever-expanding “Pile of Shame” of unplayed titles accrued during holiday sales, developers are relishing their chocolates and contemplating their achievements. Valve’s act of sending chocolates serves as a reminder that behind every game, a team of enthusiastic individuals deserves celebration.
In an industry often marked by intense pressure and deadlines, small gestures like this can have significant effects. Valve’s chocolate tradition stands as a testament to the company’s comprehension of the human element in game development, establishing a sweet benchmark for others in the industry to emulate.
Thus, as the new year unfolds, developers and players alike can anticipate more exceptional games—and possibly a bit more chocolate—for years ahead.