Thomas Schafer Digital Media/ Multimedia Technology Florida Community College, Class of 2010

He’s Got Game

Thomas Schafer
Florida Community College, Class of 2010

When he was younger, Thomas Schafer did what every boy does, especially every boy with two brothers. He played. Everything from Legos and Dr. Who to Pirates (“Before it was cool,” he says). Like every kid who loves games, he wanted them to continue. And continue they have for Thomas. After serving an eight-year tour in the Army, Thomas is today learning how to design his own computer games in FCCJ’s Digital Media/Multimedia Technology program.

“My brother and I were talking about video games about a year ago,” Thomas said, “and we decided that since there wasn't anything we really liked on the market, we were going to make our own.” It was a good plan, but it would take more than determination to carry it out.

“At the time, we believed it could be done by two people. We’d been dreaming up games since about 1985. One of the benefits of growing up poor is a great imagination and the ability to make something out of nothing. We decided he would do the programming, and I’d do the design and 3D. I downloaded the Autodesk Maya program and tried to learn it myself. But I quickly realized I needed professional help!”

It was then that an almost chance encounter set Thomas on his current course.

“FCCJ South Campus was on my way to work,” Thomas explained. “I just decided to walk into the art department one day, and I ended up talking to Troy Johnson, the Instructional Program Manager. He told me about the program, and said they had just received Maya 8.5 and a full lab of brand-new Macs. I was sold immediately.”

Thomas even landed a part-time job in the College’s Macintosh lab, and he thinks that’s going to be a big help in his planned game-design career.

Currently in his third semester at FCCJ, Thomas has liked what he’s seen so far. “Everyone here is really cool — the staff, students and instructors. I love meeting so many people who are chasing their dreams and so many who are willing to help see those dreams realized.”

He’s been so impressed, he wants to “play it forward,” as he says. “I’ve gotten so much help from so many people that I’d like to help others achieve their goals.”

When asked what his own goals are, he replied, “My own game title. That’s how this all started for me; that’s how it will continue. I've met a lot of people at FCCJ interested in working with me on this project. We’ve come a long way. It’s great to make it happen.”