I think he’s the exception that proves the rule. A truly rare, exceptional programmer who not only has the:

- technical skills to build an engine, language, and game

- interpersonal + communication skills to build, manage, and lead a team

- business acumen to take the above 2 skills and create profitable businesses (plural emphasized)

Not trying to lay the idolization on too thick, but an average developer having any one of the above would likely be a multiplier in their career.