I can say my game(s): https://wdpauly.medium.com/trade-economy-and-supply-3a9eff92...
fall into the scope creep issue, but at the same time the complexity and scale is what makes it so interesting. If you enjoy tech/programming then making something addictive and fun may not be the point so much as the mental simulation you get from the project as a whole.
I mean everyone is unaccomplished compared to chris sawyer for roller coaster tycoon :)
Most software projects are forgotten pretty quickly though, so if you're looking for a longer impact on life in general, consider the community you live in. plant a tree. clean a highway. Software dev is ephemeral, and most software rockstars aren't even known outside a small circle.
I logged in purely to say those are pretty ridiculous interview questions. At least the second question is ridiculous. Idk why people think riddles are a good evaluation for the actual job.
if someone's gonna invest in these idealistic projects, I'd rather see someone invest in tech cooperatives based on block-chain, or just employee cooperatives in general.