A fascinating revelation is circulating across the internet. A Chinese firm previously marketed underwear featuring Gabe Newell’s visage on the packaging.
Gabe Newell is an iconic figure in gaming history. This individual established Valve, one of the most renowned gaming companies, and played a key role in legendary titles like Half-Life. Furthermore, he initiated Steam, the largest distribution service for PC games in history.
But are you aware that Gabe Newell was once an underwear model? It may seem unbelievable, and indeed it is, but it remains true that Gabe Newell was at one time showcased on the packaging of Chinese underwear.
Underwear for overweight men
This image has been making the rounds online since 2019 and is consistently shared. Most recently in a Reddit discussion on August 5. To trace its origins, the photo reportedly comes from a user named Venom1521. He asserts he captured the image in Shenzhen, China.
Interestingly, the photo is clearly a composite. At that time, AI models weren’t widely used, so good ol’ Photoshop was likely employed. The body belongs to another individual, with only Gabe Newell’s face present. However, this is a very old image of the Steam co-founder.
Aside from the evident humor in GabeN being depicted as an underwear model, the text on the packaging also brings smiles:
– The brand is referred to as Long Dian, but is shortened to LongD. In English, this carries a completely different connotation in informal usage.
– The product itself is translated on the packaging as extra-large undergarments for overweight men.
– People also find it humorous that the package contains merely two pairs of underwear. It’s a well-known joke that Valve does not produce third installments to games.
Is this permissible?
We cannot say for certain, but it’s highly probable that Gabe Newell did not authorize the use of his image in this context. And no, even in China, there are regulations safeguarding personal rights. Such actions are thus not allowed under any circumstances.
Nevertheless, enforcing intellectual property rights in China has long been challenging due to cultural and societal factors. While counterfeiting and unauthorized use of online images are illegal, they are prevalent and rarely prosecuted adequately.
However, the GabeN underwear is likely no longer available.
The post We all recognize Gabe Newell as the founder of Steam, but did you know he once had to work as an underwear model in China appeared first on Global Esport News.