I assumed they are getting large volume wholesale discounts that aren’t available to individuals.

Good management would have new game projects queued up so that their people could be moved onto the next thing. That way you retain talent instead of kicking it to the curb. What companies do instead is shameful.

I self hosted for many years but gave up due to family members complaining about the occasional rejection. You are made of stronger stuff than I am, kudos.

Think “virtual infinite LEGOs”.