I'd rather have a search engine or a compiler on a deserted island than a game.
The idea that I can be presented with a problem, set out to logically solve it with the tools at hand, and wind up with a program that could not be legally used because someone else followed the same logical steps some years ago and filed for a patent on it is horrifying.
I like to think I'm pretty good at what I do.
Focused, hard work is the real key to success.
Low-level programming is good for the programmer's soul.
It's nice to have a game that sells a million copies.