Gabe Newell has recently announced his decision to run in a one-man election for the seat of "Emperor of the World", stating that since "Valve pretty much owns most of the world population below a certain age", and "the wallets of anyone who has a PC", it shouldn't be too far of a stretch. As an incentive, he has also stated that anyone who votes for him will receive a crate which possibly either contains a super-rare hat, or perhaps some paint (key for the crate sold separately, may be purchased from the Steam store). Noting Gabe's frequent attempts at world domination and his recent growth of an almighty beard, it is highly likely that the crown shall soon be his, although it seems that it shall not pass over without a fight.

Video-game industry heavy hitters John Riccitiello and Yves Guillemot have formed a coalition movement against Newell's intentions, stating that there is "no need to fight, there's enough sheep to fleece for all of us", while Richard Garriot has also released a statement declaring "I've met virtually no one...who I think is close to as good a world leader as I am" and "what type of dumb title is Emperor anyway, Lord British sounds much cooler". Bobby Kotick has also stepped to the forefront, stating a message to Newell over voice-chat in Call of Duty: ELITE to "step off, nubz, dun even think about playn with the l33t boyz".

Lastly, Markus 'Notch' Persson, Tim Schafer and Ken Levine have all decried this move as "clearly a political, money grabbing move", something that they themselves would "never stoop to". They have also each individually put themselves forward in the election as runners in the upcoming election, stating that it is "for the best of the people" and that it would be more beneficial "to have an authentic at the helm".  Meanwhile, rumblings in the East herald ominous news as it has been reported that Hideo Kojima has taken this news badly, apparently sending a message to Konami stating that it is "time to move to Stage Five of the Program", whatever that me-AAAANNNNNKSHHHH. PATRIOT CHIP ACTIVATED. RIDICULOUSLY LONG AND INCOMPREHENSIBLE EXPOSITION DOWNLOADED. ALL HAIL KOJIMA OUR LORD AND MASTER.