Never, they are not that important. What have they done for MS ? Left 4 Dead 1/2 yes big titles but is it enough to be that important ?
I am only interested in Half Life Episode 3 for PS3. And I hope they will port it or maybe EA will port it since EA ported Orange Box.
Infact Valve is big for PC due to Steam Half Life Source Engine. But they dont play a big role for Consoles. They have Left4Dead but for example Square is more important for Consoles thats why they got money. And btw this doesnt fit into the strategy of Sony. They wait and look for talented small developer and buy them before they become to big.
When have they paid last time some developer for games ? Cant even remember. Its a way better Strategy to buy Studios and build up a strong first party ofcourse its a slow way to success but in the long run its a better investment then to pay for exclusives.
I doubt that Sony would pay Valve for making games on PS3.







