Dinosaurs was a cool idea, but we just couldn't find a way to

In the journey of creation, there are times when an idea, no matter how intriguing or exciting, simply does not align with the deeper essence of what it means to be truly engaging. Sid Meier, in his reflection on the evolution of game design, reveals a powerful truth: "Dinosaurs was a cool idea, but we just couldn't find a way to make it really fun. We've got a bunch of great game ideas that we want to bring to life over the next several years." This quote speaks to the process of creation, where ideas, no matter how fascinating, must be shaped by the human experience—they must be more than just concepts; they must spark joy, engagement, and fulfillment. It is a reminder that not every idea, no matter how exciting or innovative, will necessarily lead to success unless it resonates deeply with the hearts and minds of those who experience it.

In the ancient world, creators were often faced with the challenge of translating abstract ideas into tangible, meaningful expressions. The great Greek playwrights, for example, sought not only to entertain their audiences but to provoke deep thought and emotional resonance. In Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, the drama was not simply about the tragic downfall of a king; it was about the human condition, the unrelenting pursuit of truth, and the inevitable fate that could not be escaped. Much like Meier’s struggles with the dinosaurs concept, the ancient playwrights were often faced with the realization that not every idea could find its true form—and that the success of their art lay in its ability to connect with the audience in a meaningful way, to make it truly fun and engaging through emotional depth and insight.

Consider the journey of Leonardo da Vinci, a man whose ideas spanned beyond the limitations of his time. Da Vinci had concepts for flying machines, weaponry, and anatomical studies that seemed ahead of their time—but many of these ideas never came to fruition in his lifetime. Leonardo’s genius, however, lay not in his ability to merely create, but in his understanding that execution was just as important as the idea itself. Many of his concepts did not come to life because the technology or the understanding of the human condition was not yet ready to bring them to fruition. In the same way, Sid Meier understood that despite the fascination with dinosaurs, the fun—the connection with players—wasn’t there. The success of a concept lies not just in the idea but in the depth and resonance with which it is executed.

The lesson from Sid Meier's reflection is one of adaptability and discernment in creation. There are times when we must step back from an idea and ask ourselves: does it connect, does it engage, and does it have the power to inspire? This is a vital lesson not just in game development but in every creative endeavor, whether in art, business, or life. Not every great idea will be the right one for the moment, and not every concept will come to life as we envision. Patience and adaptation are necessary, for true creation requires both vision and the ability to refine and adjust until the idea finds its proper form.

In the history of innovation, we see countless examples of ideas that had to undergo trial and error before they became truly impactful. The invention of the light bulb by Thomas Edison is a case in point. Edison’s countless failed attempts at creating a working light were not signs of failure, but part of the process of refinement. He knew that success came not from forcing an idea into existence but from adapting it to what was needed. In the same way, Sid Meier’s acknowledgment of the dinosaurs idea as not fun is a recognition of the need to be flexible and to evolve ideas until they resonate with people in meaningful ways.

The story of Meier’s creative journey also reveals the importance of persistence and iteration. In any artistic or intellectual endeavor, it is easy to become attached to a particular idea, especially when it initially excites or inspires us. However, the true art of creation lies in our ability to refine and rework our concepts until they meet the deeper needs of those we seek to impact. Just as Da Vinci refined his designs and Edison honed his inventions, so must we approach our work with an understanding that perfection comes not at once, but through continuous effort and adjustment.

In your own life, consider the ideas you have created or are in the process of creating. Are you allowing yourself the freedom to adapt when something does not work as you expected? Reflect on how you can apply patience and flexibility to your creative pursuits, knowing that not every idea will come to life exactly as you envision it. True innovation does not come from stubbornly holding on to the first iteration but from the courage to pivot and adjust until the creation becomes something that truly resonates with the world. Like Sid Meier, we can embrace the wisdom of trial and error, recognizing that failure is not the end but the beginning of a new path to success.