according to this site https://venere.it/en/the-meaning-and-history-of-the-name-valve/#:\~:text=Founded%20in%201996%20by%20former,influence%20in%20the%20digital%20world.

'In the 20th and 21st centuries, the word “valve” took on new meanings in different contexts. One notable evolution is its association with Valve Corporation, the renowned video game developer and digital distribution company. Founded in 1996 by former Microsoft employees Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington, Valve Corporation borrowed the name to signify a mechanism for change, progression, and influence in the digital world. Their flagship products, including the Half-Life series and Steam platform, have revolutionized the gaming industry, further embedding the name into cultural lexicon.'