And initially, a lot of companies avoid trying to make a really radical new kind of title for a new system, because that would involve learning a new machine and learning how to make the new title at the same time.

Trip Hawkins’ quote reflects on the reluctance of many companies to innovate or create radical new products, especially when it involves developing a completely new system. He points out that such innovation requires not only creating something new but also the challenge of learning how to use a new machine or technology in the process. This dual challenge of inventing a new product while simultaneously mastering the tools to make it can be overwhelming for companies, leading them to shy away from drastic changes.

The mention of learning and machines highlights the inherent difficulty in balancing technological advancement with the practicalities of implementation. When companies develop a new type of product or system, they face the challenge of training their employees to use new tools, which requires additional time, resources, and effort. Hawkins notes that many companies prefer to stick with more familiar systems or incremental improvements, rather than embarking on the complex task of developing something entirely new and untested.

Hawkins’ quote speaks to the broader concept of innovation in business and technology, where the potential rewards of creating something groundbreaking are often tempered by the significant risks and effort involved in overcoming initial hurdles. The fear of failure or the discomfort of not knowing whether a new system will be successful can cause many organizations to hesitate before making a bold move.

As a video game industry pioneer and the founder of Electronic Arts, Hawkins himself was no stranger to innovation. His work involved creating new technologies and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in gaming. His quote reflects the tension between the desire to innovate and the practical constraints that many companies face when introducing radical change.