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Astro Teller, the CEO of X (formerly Google X), has spoken extensively about what makes a "moonshot" – a term coined by X to describe ambitious, groundbreaking projects that aim to solve complex problems using innovative technologies. Here are some key points from Astro Teller on what makes a moonshot:

  1. Big problem, big impact: A moonshot aims to solve a significant problem that affects a large number of people, and has the potential to make a substantial, positive impact on society.
  2. Radical solution: A moonshot requires a radical, innovative solution that is 10x better than existing solutions, not just incremental improvements. This often involves combining multiple cutting-edge technologies in new and innovative ways.
  3. High risk, high reward: Moonshots are often high-risk, high-reward endeavors. They require significant investment, and there’s a high chance of failure. But if they succeed, the payoff can be enormous.
  4. Scalability: A moonshot should be scalable, meaning that it has the potential to be applied to a large number of people or situations, making it a viable solution for a significant problem.
  5. Technological breakthrough: Moonshots often require a technological breakthrough, which can be a new material, a new algorithm, or a new way of thinking about a problem.
  6. Interdisciplinary approach: Moonshots often require an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from multiple fields to tackle a complex problem.
  7. Long-term focus: Moonshots require a long-term focus, often spanning several years or even decades. This allows teams to iterate and refine their approach, overcoming obstacles and setbacks along the way.

Examples of moonshots that X has pursued include:

  • Self-driving cars (Waymo): Developing autonomous vehicles that can safely transport people and goods.
  • Project Loon: Creating a network of high-altitude balloons to provide internet access to remote or underserved communities.
  • Google Glass: Developing a wearable computer that can provide users with real-time information and assistance.
  • Project Wing: Creating a drone-based delivery system to transport goods quickly and efficiently.

According to Astro Teller, the key to successful moonshots is to be willing to take risks, experiment, and learn from failure. As he said in a TED Talk, "The most important thing is to be willing to try, to be willing to fail, and to be willing to learn from that failure."

The story of Leslie Benzies, the ex-Grand Theft Auto boss, and his grand vision that became a £200m flop is a fascinating one. After leaving Rockstar Games, the company behind the highly successful Grand Theft Auto series, Benzies went on to form his own game development studio, Build a Rocket Boy Games. Benzies’ new studio was working on a highly ambitious project called “Everywhere,” which was touted as a revolutionary, open-world game that would allow players to explore and interact with a vast, dynamic environment. The game was supposed to be a spiritual successor to the Grand Theft Auto series, with a strong focus on player freedom and creativity. However, things didn’t quite go as planned. Despite a significant investment of £200m, the game failed to materialize, and the studio was eventually shut down. The reasons for the failure are complex and multifaceted, but it’s clear that the project was overly ambitious and struggled with technical and creative issues. One of the main problems was the scope of the game. Benzies had envisioned a game that would be vastly more complex and detailed than anything that had come before, with a vast open world, complex gameplay mechanics, and a rich narrative. However, this ambition proved to be the project’s undoing, as the team struggled to deliver on the promised features and gameplay. Additionally, there were reports of internal conflicts and mismanagement within the studio, which further hindered the project’s progress. The team was said to be disjointed and lacking in clear direction, with different members having different visions for the game. The failure of “Everywhere” is a cautionary tale about the risks and challenges of game development. Even with a talented team and a significant budget, it’s possible for a project to fail if the scope is too ambitious and the execution is poor. It’s worth noting that the story of “Everywhere” is still shrouded in mystery, and it’s unclear what exactly went wrong. However, it’s clear that the project’s failure has had a significant impact on the game development industry, serving as a reminder of the importance of careful planning, clear direction, and realistic expectations. In the end, the £200m investment in “Everywhere” proved to be a costly mistake, and the game’s failure has left many wondering what could have been. Despite this, the legacy of Leslie Benzies and his work on the Grand Theft Auto series continues to be celebrated, and it’s likely that he will continue to be a major player in the game development industry for years to come.