"Valve's games are known worldwide and when they launch a new game or version via the Internet, the global network traffic is significant," said Erik Gabler, vice president of business development for Limelight Networks. "We are pleased to combine the excitement and creativity of Valve with the proven reliability of Limelight Networks to deliver an outstanding online gaming experience for their customers."
Valve is leveraging Limelight Networks' expansive network and efficient architecture, in hosting Steam, its proprietary online distribution platform, around the globe with maximum delivery efficiency. By delivering games such as Half-Life, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero, and the much-anticipated Half-Life 2 over Steam, Limelight Networks is poised to become a premier delivery network for online gaming, much as it has become for other forms of digital media.
"We selected Limelight Networks as one of our first hosting partners because they have a proven ability to deliver heavy media files quickly, inexpensively and with guaranteed reliability," said Gabe Newell, founder of Valve. "With our current games generating more Internet usage each month than Italy's total online traffic, we know we have demanding customers. And, as we approach the release of Half-Life 2, we are anticipating increased usage. Our hosting partnership with Limelight Networks will be a tremendous step toward helping us provide high quality service during the heavy peak loads generated by these avid gamers."
In addition to Valve, Limelight Networks provides digital content delivery for many of the world's leading music, entertainment, and Internet companies, including: BuyMusic.com, Musicmatch, Real Networks, RadioFree Virgin, Jimmy Buffett's Radio Margaritaville, Wind-up Records and QuePasa.com, as well as leading broadcast networks.
More articles about Steam