Why not subcontract to an external game development house? Just license the IP to someone who is interested in developing games instead of just running a game platform.
An external dev house could also side-step any cultural/NIH issues. Valve is basically married to the Source game engine, but it is far, far behind what Unreal Engine is capable of these days. A third party with Unreal experience could whip up a gorgeous-looking Portal or Half Life game, and not have to have arguments with Valve insiders about which game engine is being used.
>it is far, far behind what Unreal Engine is capable of these days
Games aren't popular long-term because of their technical achievements. Valve's games have charm, partially due to the engine.
An external dev house could also side-step any cultural/NIH issues. Valve is basically married to the Source game engine, but it is far, far behind what Unreal Engine is capable of these days. A third party with Unreal experience could whip up a gorgeous-looking Portal or Half Life game, and not have to have arguments with Valve insiders about which game engine is being used.