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.

Early retired means living off my investments now. My wife only teaches because she gets bored at home.

I am an early retired electrical engineer. I hunt, fish, and have fruit trees all over my yard. I also repair and/or replace all my own appliances. I do my own plumbing, electrical, and handyman work. I do my own car repairs and maintenance. I make my own furniture out of palette wood and bamboo grown in my yard. I brew my own beer. I do all the cooking in my house since my wife is still teaching. Stop by and have a home brew after work!