Gabe Newell: "We will find ourselves in an amusing situation where people who can't program but use AI for learning will be more effective developers than those who have been programming for decades"

Gabe Newell, the President and co-founder of Valve Corporation, gave an extensive interview to an unknown blogger from the CIS region. This was not only the blogger's first interview but also their first recorded video.

The video dives deeply into Newell’s life and his approach to work. However, the most intriguing moments are focused on AI. Let's outline some key points from Gabe's statements, noting that he rarely gives interviews or appears in public.

• Those who succeed will be the ones leveraging AI within their respective niches. Gabe compared this to the companies in the 70s and 80s that were the first to incorporate computers into their processes.
• Gabe largely views AI as a learning system. He directly calls it a "cheat code" that can help improve in any discipline, for example, by providing feedback on completed work. In doing so, AI accelerates iteration.
• Understanding the technical side of AI is not necessary for its use. However, the better a person understands the foundations of such tools, the more effectively they can apply them.
• In general, across all fields—from navigation and law to programming and television—the scenario is shaping up where a professional confidently using AI will outperform those who don't tap into it.
• Furthermore, reading about how AI will impact industries and the world is pointless. The real market advantage will belong to those who regularly work with it. “If you don’t see or feel where AI is heading, you’ll miss out on the opportunities it offers.”

The video does not appear to be fake. Several days have passed since its publication, and no refutations have emerged. The channel’s description, where the interview is posted, notes in Russian: “We share powerful interviews and blogs about the lifestyle of successful men in the USA, helping young people from CIS countries understand American culture, mindset, and social life.”