I can't find the link right now, but I'm pretty sure I've seen them say: 1) TF2 is profitable, even including the close to ten years that it spent in developme

I can't find the link right now, but I'm pretty sure I've seen them say: 1) TF2 is profitable, even including the close to ten years that it spent in development(!) 2) They make money off the updates (because of new sales), but not always enough to break even for the update 3) Valve views TF2 as their sandbox to see how players respond to certain ideas, so they find it useful to keep TF2 around even if it weren't carrying its weight anymore. (edit this backs up some of my claims: http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/08/19/interview-valve-on-the-future-of-team-fortress-2/2/ http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/08/19/interview-valve-on-the-fut...)