The launch of Half-Life in 1998 transformed the video game landscape, marking a commercial success that originated from the collaboration between Mike Harrington and Gabe Newell. This achievement served as the primary catalyst for the growth of Valve, the company Harrington co-founded in 1996 after departing his established career at Microsoft.
Early Career and Valve
Before his shift into the gaming sector, Harrington held roles as a programmer at Dynamix and served as a designer for the Windows NT operating system during his nine-year tenure at Microsoft. In 1996, he leveraged his Microsoft shares to capitalize the formation of Valve alongside Gabe Newell. His early operations included his wife, Monica Harrington, who served as the firm's marketing strategist. Following the critical success of their inaugural title, he divested his interest in the company on January 15, 2000, choosing to exit the organization.
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In 2005, Harrington returned to business development by co-founding the photo editing service Picnik with his associate Darrin Massena. The platform expanded its market presence until its acquisition by Google in March 2010. Harrington joined Google following this transaction, maintaining his involvement until his departure in March 2011.
Subsequent Ventures
Following his exit from Google, Harrington continued his work in software and product management. In January 2012, he partnered again with Darrin Massena to launch Catnip Labs. His professional trajectory further included serving at the Committee for Children between 2016 and 2018. Later, from November 2018 until March 2020, he held a technical leadership role at Amplion.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964
- Nationality: United States
- Microsoft employment: 1987-1996
- Valve co-founder: 1996
- Picnik co-founder: 2005
- Google tenure: 2010-2011
- Catnip Labs co-founder: 2012
- Amplion role: 2018-2020
Questions readers ask
What led to Harrington leaving Valve?
After the success of Half-Life, he sold his stake in the company to Gabe Newell in 2000, expressing a desire to spend time with his wife and a reluctance to risk another project.
Which companies did Mike Harrington co-found?
He co-founded Valve in 1996, Picnik in 2005, and Catnip Labs in 2012.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Microsoft, Picnik and Google
- Worked as programmer, manager and engineer
