My background is in hardware design. I found hardware work to be a welcome change from thousands of hours of programming and that led to the designs you mentioned.

In this quote, David Crane reflects on his background in hardware design and how it provided a refreshing shift from his extensive experience in programming. Crane acknowledges that after spending countless hours in the often repetitive and mentally taxing work of coding, he found the process of designing hardware to be a welcome change. This shift allowed him to apply his creativity and engineering skills in a different way, leading to new designs and innovations in his work.

Crane’s statement reveals the challenge and monotony of spending extended periods on programming tasks, which can be mentally exhausting due to the need for precision and attention to detail. By contrast, hardware design offered him a more tangible, hands-on approach, where he could see and feel the results of his work. This shift in focus likely sparked new ideas and allowed him to bring a fresh perspective to his designs.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Crane’s career as a pioneer in the field of video game development. As one of the co-founders of Activision, Crane was deeply involved in the creation of early video game consoles and systems, which required a solid understanding of both hardware and software. His experience in hardware design played a crucial role in the development of game technology, and this quote reflects how the combination of both disciplines contributed to his success.

Ultimately, Crane’s words highlight the importance of variety and balance in creative and technical fields. The quote underscores how transitioning between different aspects of technology, like hardware and software, can lead to innovative breakthroughs and fresh perspectives. By finding joy in hardware design, Crane was able to expand his skill set and push the boundaries of what was possible in the video game industry.